CRS Promotes Fair Trade through Local Ambassadors
Saint Paul, MN, July 19, 2010 – Local Fair Trade Ambassadors are available in dioceses through the Midwest region to answer questions about Fair Trade and assist Catholic churches, schools, universities, and Catholic organizations who would like to incorporate the practice of Fair Trade.
Regional parish volunteers (called Ambassadors) have been trained by CRS Fair Trade, a program of Catholic Relief Services that offers certified fair trade coffee, chocolate and handcrafts to socially conscious consumers who can purchase these products from a range of retailers and partners. Fair Trade is an approach that guarantees farmers and artisans a fair price for their products and safe working conditions, and builds stable, long-term relationships between producers in developing countries and Fair Trade companies in the U.S.
CRS Ambassadors promote Fair Trade within the Catholic community by encouraging Catholic churches, schools and institutions to use and sell Fair Trade products. Among those trained were Bob Walz, Coordinator for Justice and Outreach at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Oakdale, MN. Mr. Walz is available to work with Minnesota dioceses along the Wisconsin border and the Diocese of Superior. Contact him for referrals to Fair Trade Ambassador in other areas or the CRS Midwest office.
“Catholics can feel gratified that they are helping to build a market that is moral and consistent with Catholic social teachings,” Walz said. “Moreover, when we purchase and use fair trade goods in our Catholic institutions and at home, we are providing economic help to those most in need and we are doing it with dignity. We are living gospel values.”
CRS’ Fair Trade program has grown from two retail partners in 2004 to 16 today, including coffee, chocolate and handcraft retailers. All of these companies help Catholic schools, parishes, and households shop responsibly for the benefit of disadvantaged producers. To find CRS partners dedicated to Fair Trade, visit http://crsfairtrade.org.
To help support CRS Fair Trade, Catholics can:
- Hold a Fair Trade coffee break at their parish or schools
- Join the CRS Fair Trade Network
- Buy Fair Trade items or give a Fair Trade gift for Mother’s Day
- Host a Fair Trade Sale in their parish, school or even home
- Become a CRS Fair Trade fan on Facebook
