Byline: Sinead Doherty: Loreto Journalism Club

The Fairtrade Foundation has granted an award to recognise Loreto College's enthusiastic, energetic commitment towards helping Fairtrade.

By giving the college Fairtrade status the foundation has rewarded hard working, dedicated students and catering staff who run Fairtrade Stalls; sold Fairtrade food & drink in the canteens and promoted Fairtrade across the whole of college life.

The Fairtrade Foundation is an organisation that ensures farmers, producers and workers from poorer countries are paid a fair price for their goods. Fairtrade farmers are famous for their chocolate and coffee however they also produce cotton, fresh fruit and grow beautiful flowers.  Before fairtrade some of these farmers earnt a poor income and were barely able feed their family.

Assistant Chaplain Colette Laybourn has also been hard at work co-ordinating the Fairtrade group for the last 18 months and had the responsibility of submitting the application for Fairtrade status.

Reflecting on a busy year Colette says: “Following a year of meetings, stalls, campaigning and events, we were finally awarded Fairtrade status. Thanks go to the students from the Fairtrade group and the catering staff that have helped put together such a strong bid, plus a special thanks to all who have supported us. Look out for more events as we build on this fantastic achievement over the next year and please continue to support Fairtrade.”

Congratulations to all for raising awareness of this worthwhile cause.