Giant Fair Trade Tea Party for Welsh Assembly Members

Date/Time: Wednesday 3rd March. 12:00 - 2:00pm and 5:00 - 7:00pm
Where: The Senedd (Oriel and Outside)
What: Fair Trade Wales' Big Swap Tea Party, hosted by Lorraine Barrett AM
Contact: Elen Jones - elen@fairtradewales.com / 07912 496044
Photo op: Photo call at 12:30pm

Evening opportunity: AMs and invitees will be given the opportunity to sample Fairtrade products, press are welcome to attend (Oriel, Senedd, 5-7pm as well as the main photo call at 12:30pm)

Welsh Assembly Members will learn all about Fairtrade at a Giant Fair Trade tea party held by Fair Trade Wales at the Senedd.

Members will hear first hand from a Sri Lankan tea producer about the positive impact Fairtrade has on the lives of workers in developing countries.

Surrounded by giant tables, chairs and all the trappings of a traditional tea party they will also have the chance to sample Fairtrade food and drink whilst learning how Wales as a Fair Trade Nation can help make a BIG difference to the world.

The event, which will be hosted by Lorraine Barrett AM and include a speech from Jane Davidson, Environment Minister for Wales, is part of Fairtrade Fortnight's Big Swap during which the people of Britain are being asked swap their everyday shopping items for the Fairtrade equivalent.

Elen Jones, the National Coordinator for Fair Trade Wales said: ‘We would like Wales to play it's part in the Fairtrade Foundation's one million and one pledges from people to commit to swapping to Fairtrade. Wales is the world's first and only Fair Trade Nation, so who better than the members of the Welsh Assembly Government to lead the way and help Wales change the world.'

The event will also feature the launch of the world's biggest Fairtrade Tablecloth created from patchwork pieces made by the children of 85 schools across Wales. Welsh school children will also be on hand through out the event, performing songs, poetry and telling Assembly Members their reasons for supporting fair trade.

Danielle Johnson, Fair Trade Wales' Schools Coordinator said: ‘All of the schools involved have worked really hard to help create the world's biggest Fairtrade tablecloth. Hopefully the children's enthusiasm for Fairtrade will inspire others and help us get closer to the goal of one million and one swaps.'