Fairtrade birthday is a reason to celebrate

Enthusiastic youngsters and community campaigners joined together recently to celebrate the landmark.

Local children and nurseries had the opportunity to share and develop their knowledge, skills and experience via a series of recent workshops.

East Dunbartonshire Council united with local fair trade enthusiasts to launch the programme three years ago - and it is now being rolled out across Scotland, following the pilot.

Council Leader Rhondda Geekie joined the celebration event and said: “It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly three years since we launched Fair Trade Nurseries in East Dunbartonshire, although when we look at just how much we’ve achieved together, the progress has been remarkable.

“As we embarked on our third year, we had reached the impressive goal of having every local authority and partnership nursery on board in East Dunbartonshire.

“Two of the local highlights over the last year have been Fairtrade Footballs - which nurseries collectively purchased in good numbers - and the production of a popular Fair Trade Recipe Book with the Fairtrade Town Groups in Lenzie, Milngavie and Bearsden.

“I am proud to say that East Dunbartonshire has been at the heart of fair trade activities in Scotland for some time now - with excellent work by the local Fair Trade Steering Group, community organisations and the Council all playing their part.”

Tracy Mitchell - a member of East Dunbartonshire Fair Trade Steering Group and one of the driving forces behind Fair Trade Nurseries, added: “Local fair trade work is making a big difference to some of the world’s poorest people. Well done to everyone involved - your efforts are greatly appreciated.

“It’s important to get young people involved because children are the decision-makers of the future.”

For more information on fair trade visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk or www.fairtrade.org.uk