We want to share the end of the year with you, the people of Llanelli. The problem for Fairtrade is that in our case in Llanelli we follow the tax year, April to April. So although this is the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020, we carry on to finish each year in April. Since April of this year, since achieving Fairtrade Status as a Zone , one of three zones in Wales, we have met over 3000 local people, whether it is doing stalls generally, or attending other events or helping out at other campaigns, or meeting local businesses, or local churches or local schools, it has been wonderfully eventful so far.
We are constantly amazed at the generosity of spirit of the Llanelli people, whether they are joining in the fun or donating a few pennies or buying a Fairtrade item added to their
shopping or just talking about how important Fairtrade is especially when we think about global health and well-being.
The people of Llanelli care about local people because the Food banks are always being donated to and although they should not exist, people need to be helped. On top of that local people care about others in poor countries helping Fairtrade co-operatives or children in Africa for example who need just basic books. The generosity of local people is seriously impressive.
The Fairtrade volunteers have worked hard over the past two years. Since May this year, they have gone to Friendship circles, Senior Citizens Groups,local Councils, Civic Services, Schools etc. We did a special article on the Llwynhendy Fun Day in the summer as it was a particularly magical day.
They have been involved in other local campaigns such Llanelli Multicultural Network, Llanelli Pride, CETMA – a local community group who has taken over the responsibility of helping and supporting Llanelli Fairtrade, LGBTQ+ community group, Llanelli Community Partnership.
Misthy Cee Children Centre in Ghana has been an important addition to Llanelli Fairtrade as it adds to our role of Global Health and Well being under the Welsh Future Generations Act. Finally, we have a regular article in the Llanelli Standard each month which started in June of this year. Since joining CETMA in June of this year we have gone from strength to strength. Thank you so much, CETMA..
Since May, we have attended so many events that in the process we have met over 2000Â Llanelli people. With the article in the newspaper each month we have reached 60,000 people. This is due, in part, to the support of CETMA.
We have taken on 5 new volunteers and CETMA provides me with an IT expert to do our leaflets and advertising programme.
The local Co-ops have really come to the fore with their support. Chris Ellis the area manager and Rhys Price a local shop manager have swung into action, helping with school contacts, materials, a grant and general support with staff for our big events and contributions with food etc. and their wonderful community workers. A massive thank you to the Llanelli Co-ops.
In order to achieve Fair trade status, we have to check what the supermarkets and shops are selling with regard to Fair trade and this need to be updated. So next year we are flooding Llanelli with volunteers who will survey all of them, from Cross Hands to Pembrey, to Kidwelly and Tumble. Yes, guys, we are coming !!!!
As far as volunteers are concerned we are providing time credits ( now known as Tempo) so that you can use these to enjoy yourself for free later. Voluntary work has its benefits. We always need new volunteers and you do get something back for your kindness which is great. For every hour you do you get 1 time credit. You can save these up and you can enjoy all sorts of things with them.
We have so many plans for the new year. Dates for you to remember!
January 18th 2020 – Our Fairtrade tea party at the Selwyn Samuel Centre. It’s free so just come along and have a lovely afternoon with us. There will be all sorts of surprises.
Fairtrade Fortnight – Last week of February and first week of March. We will be out and about in the community,St. Elli’s Shopping Centre , a road show around the constituency, a Fairtrade banana giveaway and much much more. Come and support us !!!
We are hoping to twin with a Fairtrade co-operative in Africa next year so we will have the children cente in Ghana and the Co-operative. The following year we are hoping to have a small Fairtrade shop and we hope that people will support this.
These are very exciting times for Llanelli Fairtrade and with the support of CETMA and Jonathan Williams we are really moving onwards and upwards.
We would like to take this oppirtunity to wish you all a very happy new year from Fairtrade Llanelli.
