Change the world one cup at a time: Oxfam Australia

Change the world one cup at a time: Oxfam
Take a Coffee Break this Fairtrade Fortnight (3–17 May) and help change the world one cup at a time.
Oxfam Australia is urging people to take a Fairtrade Coffee Break from Saturday May 3 to help improve the lives of farmers in some of the poorest parts of the world.
Organised by Oxfam Australia and the Fair Trade Association of Australia and New Zealand (FTAANZ), Coffee Break encourages people to take a break with their friends, workmates or school with some great-tasting Fairtrade tea and coffee.
Anyone can hold a Fairtrade Coffee Break during Fair Trade Fortnight – simply register online at www.oxfam.org.au/coffeebreak for a free Fairtrade Coffee Break pack, including Fairtrade tea and coffee samples, the Coffee Break DVD, promotional materials and a ‘Where to Buy Fairtrade’ guide.

People can add some other treats to their Coffee Break such as cakes, scones or Fairtrade chocolate.
Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said Coffee Break was a fun but important way to create a better future for small-scale farmers in developing countries.

“Fairtrade coffee is a practical, everyday way to help eradicate poverty, as most of the world’s coffee is produced by small-scale farmers in developing countries,” Mr Hewett said.

“The additional price they receive for their Fairtrade coffee can make a huge difference. It could mean the difference between having one meal or three meals a day, whether or not kids are sent to school, or being able to access health services.”

He said Fairtrade Fortnight was an ideal time for people to support fair trade in other ways, such as encouraging their workplaces and local outlets to stock Fairtrade products, and raising awareness in the community.
FTAANZ Executive Director Stephen Knapp said Fairtrade Fortnight was an opportunity for people to enjoy and celebrate a change in their shopping habits.
“By thinking about what we buy and supporting Fairtrade, we are able to make a tangible, personal difference,” Mr Knapp said.

Australia is the fastest growing Fairtrade market in the world with Fairtrade coffee sales rising around 50 per cent from 2006 to 2007.

Fair Trade Fortnight events will be held across Australia giving consumers the opportunity to taste, brew, create, eat, drink, kick, watch, wear, learn about and support Fairtrade.
To register a Coffee Break, find out where to buy Fairtrade products and learn how to take action, visit www.oxfam.org.au/coffeebreak

For more information about Fairtrade Fortnight events, go to www.fairtrade.com.au

For more information or to interview Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett, please contact Laurelle Keough, Media Liaison Coordinator Oxfam Australia on 0409 960 100.