Welcome to Edition 30 of Fair News Message from Susy Lately I have had great conversations with some passionate people that are doing their bit towa
Welcome to Edition 30 of Fair News
Susanna Bevilacqua - Founder Moral Fairground
Message from Susy
Lately I have had great conversations with some passionate people that are doing their bit towards sustainability. Jennifer Evans winner of the 2012 MKR is about to launch her new product range and is working with small scale co-operatives in Thailand ensuring sustainable trading practices. Noelene Marchwicki who was in Masterchef in 2013 is very passionate about the “no waste” philosophy and working with local producers in Victoria; Melanie Raymond Chair of Youth Projects is looking at ways of reducing homelessness by creating pathway to employment. Whilst Boby Vonsinthavong of Mulberries is working with small isolated villages in remote areas to preserve the silk industry in Laos, create jobs, provide education and training.
When I think of what these people have in common is that they play an important role in supporting and nurturing healthy communities, a healthy environment and a healthy planet.
Now days we are constantly bombarded with information about what "Sustainability" is or should be and I really think with so many different messages, we are risking distancing people and diluting the meaning.
Over the years and after having met hundreds of people that are contributing to society in so many amazing ways, it is clear to me that when we speak of sustainability, it is not about just the environment or just about the people, but a fine balance between all of those.
This is why through the work we do at Moral Fairground we always strive to create opportunities to showcase and celebrate the individuals and organisations that are striving for that balance.
I would like to finish, by welcoming you all to be part of the Fair Trade celebrations in May, either as an exhibitor or as a consumer, because it is by the continued support that we activate change and strive for a more sustainable world.
Just for mum - Fair Trade Mothers' Day High Tea at the Melbourne Town Hall
Fair Trade Mothers' Day High Tea 2013
Instant Karma Roses
Fair Trade Mothers' Day High Tea 2013
Delicious Food
Following from the great success of 2013, the Fair Trade Mothers' Day High Tea is back in 2014.
A glamorous and empowering event to recognise women who are an inspirational and valued member of the Australian community. Be surrounded by outstanding personalities, such as Jennifer Evans (Winner of 2012 My Kitchen Rules), Noelene Marchwiki (Master Chef 2013), Zoe Pook (Zoe Pook Design), Kirra Fitzgerald (Psychologist, Youth Projects) and Melanie Raymond (Chair of Youth Projects).
All funds raised from tickets sales will be donated to Youth Projects, to run a specialist woman’s clinic providing health care, connection to employment, training and social inclusion, thereby creating positive pathways for women out of homelessness and fear. To contribute to the valuable work of ‘Youth Projects’, Zoe Pook jewellery will be donating 10% of all proceeds from sales in May to Youth Projects. All funds raised will be donated to the charity.
Spoil the women that inspire you with an Eco Store hand pampering session, a Mother and Child Fair-Trade Fashion Show, a Fair Trade Goodie Bag, Recipe brochure, an Instant Karma Fairtrade certified rose and delicious food.
Book your ticket in advance for a very special Mothers' Day rich HERE or for more info Visit our website
Want to host your own fair trade related event? Join the Fair Trade Event Trail
Join the biggest celebration of Fair Trade worldwide by taking part in the Fair Trade Event Trail and hosting your own event or activity and join people all over the globe during Fair Trade Fortnight.
For anyone that is interested in spreading the word about fair trade, you can be a business, an educational institution a not-for profit organisation or an advocacy group a community group.
It is very simple, all you need to do is tell us what you are doing and we'll help you spread the word.
Have you booked your spot yet at the Fair Trade Market?
Applications are open to participate in the Fair Trade Fortnight Moral Fairground Market held on Sunday the 4th May 2014. The Atrium at Federation Square Melbourne will once again come to life for this annual event.
Come and showcase your products and connect direct with the public. There will be heaps of activities, with live fashion shows, children activities, visual creative displays, a day designed for the whole family.
For more information on how to be involved please visit our website link
Out and about
We welcome Lara Shannon as the latest Moral Fairground Ambassador
As Founder of the eco-lifestyle and healthy living site Ecochick.com, and Host of Eco TV, Lara Shannon has been working to raise awareness of important environmental issues for almost 20 years.
Starting out as a journalist and radio producer, Lara decided early on that the environmental movement was her calling and was soon working with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to develop corporate CSR partnerships and public awareness campaigns.
Since then, Lara has been a media spokesperson in Australia and the UK on a range of environmental and social change issues and has helped launch many high profile campaigns for organisations including Planet Ark, Keep Australia Beautiful, The Jane Goodall Foundation, Garage Sale Trail and more.
Lara has joint Moral Fairground as an Ambassador she sends this message "A healthy and sustainable planet not only relies on protecting our precious natural resources, landscapes and wildlife. It also requires that ALL people, regardless of where they live or what they do, have access to the basic resources they need for their survival, and fair and safe working conditions.
It is for this reason I am delighted to be an Ambassador for Moral Fairground to help raise awareness of the current inequality experienced by billions around the world and to support those that are working to make a difference."
The Crunch is back
The Social Enterprise Awards are open for applications until Friday 28 March.
The number of categories has been increased in 2014 to not only recognise the breadth of talent working in the sector but pay tribute to the best institutional buyer and the best investor deal in the Australian social enterprise sector.
For more on the Awards and category criteria, visit Social Traders
BY COFFEE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Helping the long term unemployed and homeless find their feet is core business for not-for-profit Youth Projects. But selling coffee is a big step in a new direction.
With prime street frontage in Melbourne's most happening lane, this charity is finding new ways to raise funds and help people learn new skills.
Next month Youth Projects will open its unique coffee cart located in its garage fronting Hosier Lane.
This is where the large corner building is home to Youth Projects and the site of the CBD's only free medical clinic for the homeless, The LIving Room Primary Health service.
This colourful lane is also famous the world over its street art and restaurants. UP to 2,000 people visit daily but you can't buy a takeaway coffee, despite the city's reputation for great coffee.
Youth Projects CEO Melanie Raymond says the venture fills a gap for both tourists and the unemployed.
"Community organisations are all being told to find new ways to fund services, and governments are signalling cut backs.
We can create pathways to employment while helping to fund this vital service.
We will use highly qualified baristas turning out first rate coffee and they will be assisted by clients learning new skills. Such a high profile and prominent will help us promote our work and others in the sector in building a fair and just society. I hope it can become a little hub.
Melbourne is a progressive city. The success of Fair@Square and Fair Trade fortnight every year shows this community has a strong interest in social justice. .
