Campaign for Fair Trade gets Major Boost in Surrey

Kuoni was among a number of businesses taking part in a Fair Trade awareness event at the Christian Centre in Dorking on November 19.

It was organised by the Campaign For Fair Trade in Surrey and aimed to give the county’s businesses an opportunity to see the benefits of dealing in a Fair Trade environment.

A steady flow of visitors ensured the public learned more about the plight of farmers suffering from unethical exploitation, which dominates large areas around the world. Numerous stallholders sold Fair Trade items and produce, many of which will certainly be personalised stocking fillers this Christmas.  

Sheila Hill, of the Campaign for Fair Trade in Surrey, said: “Many Surrey towns, schools and churches have already been awarded Fair Trade certification, so it seemed the right time to aim for county status.

“It was a splendid event which was well attended throughout the day. What we want to see is more businesses taking responsibility in Surrey by supporting Fair Trade, so those who deserve an honest wage and fair conditions can have it.”

Kuoni, which became the UK’s first Fair Trade Tourism South Africa certificated travel operator last month, showcased its Fair Trade tours at the event..

Kuoni’s South African Fair Trade Garden Routes take holidaymakers to some of the most breathtaking areas of South Africa. The tour also enables visitors to see Fair Trade winemaking and sustainable farming, as well as a stay in all FTTSA (Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa) hotel and lodges that employs local communities and uses local products.

The Fair Trade in Tourism South Africa is a non-profit organisation that supports sustainable tourism development through the award of certificates to companies committed to Fair Trade-endorsed wages, working conditions and respect for human rights, culture and the environment.

Jean Russill , a Kuoni employee in Dorking commented: “I was extremely excited about the event because I’ve recently come back from South Africa, where I saw at firsthand the struggles that some of the farmers and communities face.”

Jean added: “It was a great day at the Christian Centre and everybody was in high spirits. Fair Trade work hard to improve life for those less fortunate, and it’s great to work for a company that makes tourism more responsible.”