Final call for Fair Trade applications

Feb 22 2012 by Liam Murphy, Heswall News

LESS than a week remains for applications to become Wirral’s Fair Trade ambassador to take part in a visit to Ghana.

The competition to find someone to represent the borough is part of Wirral Council’s year-long promotion of Fair Trade.

So far, thousands of car window stickers have now been distributed through libraries and larger Co-operative food stores, and a Fairtrade market event is planned for March 24 at Heswall Hall.

Cllr Mark Johnston, who is leading the work on behalf of the council, said: “I am very proud to live on the Wirral as we seem to have a very well-developed sense of justice and charity.

“Our commitment to the world's poorest people through encouraging Fairtrade and being a Fairtrade Borough is a further example of the generous spirit of Wirral's residents.”

The council says a good number of applications is needed to find an ambassador for the Ghana trip and to elect up to eight Fair Trade Champions.

The ambassador will visit the African nation of Ghana for two weeks in November as part of a trip organised by the UK charity Traid-craft.

Wirral’s representative will meet Fair Trade producers and also visit the Divine Chocolate cocoa farmers.

The Wirral News will then contribute by producing some articles and photos to help raise awareness of the impact Fair Trade shopping has on some of the world's poorest people.

To apply you need to be over 18, in reasonable health and be up for the adventure and challenges of travelling in a developing world situation.

You will also need to be able to produce some press articles and take some good photos.

The closing date is February 28 – just email pam@la21.net for your single-sided application form.