#BuildBackFairer
It’s the hashtag that is being celebrated instore World Fair Trade Day – May 8, 2021. Why is it so important to build back fairer?
Many of you have asked how you can help us to support the producers of our products who are based in India, and who we are all too aware are facing a humanitarian crisis of monumental proportions. It can be easy to feel helpless in the face of it.
#BuildBackFairer is the answer to supporting these producers and artisans to literally survive in the current crisis, and in the rebuilding of our economies in a sustainable way to better meet future crises.
We received news from one of our Indian partners this week, St Mary’s based in Ahmedebad, Gujarat. They reported that through their committed long term fair trade relationships, the artisans have had work throughout 2020 and into 2021. The artisans have continued their high quality embroidery work in the safety of their own homes, to earn an income and protect their families from COVID-19. St Mary’s is the only ray of hope in the life of the artisans and their families during this devastating crisis.
It is a good news story, and an excellent example of how choosing fair trade sets off a positive chain reaction felt around the world.
We also spoke to four of our trading partners in India this week via zoom, just to check in and see how they were holding up. What do they want from us? Simply orders. For those who are able to continue in some capacity they need the work. For those waiting to open workshops again, they desperately need orders ready to go, orders that mean they can be paid.
In times of crisis, how we purchase matters even more. Supporting Trade Aid at this time means you are supporting our 500,000 artisans and food producers, based in vulnerable communities to maintain their income, protect their families and build a future.
View the #BuildBackFairer campaign led by the WFTO: https://wfto.com/fairtradeday2021/