Fairtrade world record bunting bid

Feb 12 2011 by Gavin McInally, Paisley Daily Express

FAIRTRADE supporters of all ages are being challenged to take part in a world record bid to create the longest string of bunting.

The theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, which runs from February 28 to March 13, is ‘Show Off Your Label’, with a focus on cotton.

As part of the campaign, the Fairtrade Foundation is attempting to break a world record for the longest continual piece of bunting, while highlighting how Fairtrade cotton protects the livelihoods of farmers in West Africa and India.

The Renfrewshire Fairtrade Steering Group is backing the challenge and urging individuals and groups in the area to get involved by designing their own bunting using bunting kits. Councillor Brian Lawson, chair of the steering group, has already written to all the schools in the area asking pupils and staff to take part and also is urging other groups, including churches, youth groups and nurseries to join in.

All the bunting that is created from schools across Renfrewshire will then be gathered together and sent off to the Fairtrade Foundation in April for their world record-breaking attempt.

Councillor Lawson said: “The support for Fairtrade in Renfrewshire is constantly growing and as a result this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight looks set to be our best yet, with a huge range of events offering something for everyone. In particular we really want Renfrewshire to back the world record attempt to create the world’s longest string of bunting.

“This is something you could do if you are part of a local youth or community group or maybe just as something fun to do with your friends.

“The aim is to raise the profile of Fairtrade which ensures that farmers and producers get a fairly paid for their work.

“As well as empowering producers Fairtrade also supports communities in developing countries by helping to build things like schools, roads and provide running water – so this is a great way to do something fun while also helping those in poorer countries.”

A series of Fairtrade Fortnight events are also lined up to take place throughout Renfrewshire for people of all ages to get involved in.

These include everything from a family fun day at Paisley Town Hall, to a Fairtrade wine tasting in Lochwinnoch, a performance by a local theatre group on the injustices facing Fairtrade farmers, and a Fairtrade football tournament.

For a full list of events running in Renfrewshire over Fairtrade Fortnight go online and visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk

You can also get the latest news and information from Renfrewshire by following the Twitter feed @RenCouncilNews

If you are interested in taking part in the record attempt, packs of blank Fairtrade bunting are available from www.fairtradefoundation.org.uk