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Recent Events |
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September 2007
From Bengal to Dundee
Over 70 people attended the Forum’s inaugural AGM. Participants were invited to join a journey from ‘Bengal to Dundee’. Through various stories they heard about Dundee’s trading past and the links with the present day garment industry in Bangladesh and the positive developments provided by Fair Trade projects.’
A Bengali supper, made by local chef, Sowrow Assension and songs by Loadsaweemin singing were also enjoyed. Councillor Mohammed Asif presented certificates to workplaces, which have recently started to use Fairtrade products. | |
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The showing of the film 'Black Gold' at DCA was of particular interest to a Dundee audience, since its 'star' Tadesse Meskele, General Manager, Oromia Coffee Farmers Co-operative Union in Ethiopia, had visited the city in March 2005. The story follows Tadesse, as he tirelessly travels the world to find new buyers for his coffee in order to get his farmers a fair price and a better deal.
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DCA agreed to give out samples of Fairtrade tea and coffee (nearly 400 in total) and displayed leaflets in the cinema entrance. |
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FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT AWARD FOR DUNDEE RUNNER-UP - OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS AWARD
***STOP PRESS***
For details see under Fairtrade Fortnight below or log on to www.fairtrade.org.uk. |
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June 2007 New leaflet for workplaces and business A new leaflet aimed at workplaces and businesses wishing to change to Fairtrade products was produced. Copies are available from ftfdundee@yahoo.co.uk.
April 2007
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Spring Flower Show
Once again we took the opportunity to promote fair trade, on behalf of the Council, by running a stall of Traidcraft crafts and jewellery. We couldn't resist also including some chocolate and sweets. |
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'Awards for All'
We were pleased to learn that our application to 'Awards for All' had been successful. This grant will be used in the coming months for promotional materials and to help with running costs for special events. Letters of congratulation were received from MSPs Joe Fitzpatrick and Shona Robison.
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March 2007
FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT AWARD FOR DUNDEE RUNNER-UP - OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
We were delighted to learn that we are to receive the above award from the Fairtrade Foundation for our efforts during Fairtrade Fortnight. Particular mention was made of the wide range of events and the imaginative posters - 'in 3D with actual samples' designed by Jerome Nguyen (see below) and produced and displayed at the University of Abertay.
A flavour of a few of the key events of the Fortnight
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1. Abertay University students and staff working on 'chocolate' business cards and posters with Fairtrade samples for distribution round the campus.
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2. Mireya Rodriguez (Costa Rican Banana Union representative amd Jan Nimmo, (artist and filmmaker) in full flow at the lively Q & A session, which followed the showing of Jan's latest fil 'Pura Vida'.
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ABERTAY WAS DECLARED A FAIRTRADE UNIVERSITY DURING FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHT.
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3. The One World Centre ran a very successful banner project involving 6 young people's groups, using Fair Trade as a theme. The completed banners were displayed at The Shore, a city centre venue for young people. Conrad James (a banana farmer from St Lucia) presented certificates to the groups taking part.
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4. The Coffee Exchange was the venue of an Open Evening. Speakers were Conrad James and Line Oestergaard (Fairtrade Foundation). Conrad presented certificates to local retailers, cafes and workplaces, which have recently started to sell or serve Fairtrade goods. |
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Thanks to Jerome, a full account of all the activities during Fairtrade Fortnight were incorporated into two reports. These were sent to the Fairtrade Foundation for entry into the Fairtrade Awards in the 'Outreach' and 'Imagination' categories. |
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Also in March 2007, the City Council agreed to fund another print run (3,000 copies) of the Dundee Fair Trade Guide. Minor changes were made. |
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February 2007
Dundee Fair Trade Forum membership leaflet
The first Fair Trade Forum membership leaflet was launched.
One thousand copies were printed and distributed at key locations throughout the city. Further copies were e-mailed to various potentially interested people. |
January 2007 Canadian student joins the Forum The Forum welcomed on placement, Jerome Nguyen, a Canadian Food and Consumer studies student spending a year at Abertay University. Jerome had requested a placement with a Fair Trade organisation. We were delighted to welcome him and benefited greatly from his ideas, skills and enthusiasm. Jerome began working on a 'Fairtrade in the Workplace' project, which involved carrying out a survey of local workplaces to assess the extent to which Fairtrade products are used. Samples were given out and tastings were offered to interested organisations. This project is on-going and we are now aware of 5 new workplaces using Fairtrade goods. Certificates were presented to these bodies at our first AGM in September.
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