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Bristol has won the Outstanding Achievement Award in this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight Awards. The city came top in the three categories it entered with the judges calling it head and shoulders above other towns and cities.
Bristol Fairtrade co-ordinator, Jenny Foster, and other members of the Bristol Fairtrade Network, plus students from St Mary Redcliffe Sixth Form, accepted the award on Saturday at the National Fairtrade Conference in Birmingham. Renwick Rose, co-ordinator of the Windward Islands Farmers Association, presented them with the award and £700 prize money.
The award confirms Bristol as the leading Fairtrade city in the UK, with events such its the Fairwear Fashion Show and Cotton On, and the Fairtrade Purchasing Guide now replicated by other Fairtrade groups around the world.
Fairtrade Foundation executive director Harriet Lamb congratulated Bristol, saying: “Once again Bristol showed that what a great Fairtrade city they are by organising a range of exciting and innovative activities during Fairtrade Fortnight.
“They thoroughly deserve this award as they are a wonderful example of how people coming to together to show their support for trade justice can make a real difference in the communities where they live.”
A delighted Jenny Foster, added: “Our events are successful because we partner with so many different organisations and companies around the city. Fairtrade is becoming embedded into Bristol schools, businesses and community groups because it is not only ethical and sustainable but makes good sense. People in Bristol want to trade fairly and to see the difference their purchasing choices can make.”
