Morley Fairtrade Town group has had a great success and can officially announce that Morley has gained Fairtrade status.

In the Application feedback report the hard work and dedication of the steering groups were highlighted by the national Fairtrade Committee. Over the past 18 months the group have put on a number of events in the local community and also supported a number of other community events. Members of the steering committee have visited local schools and businesses as well to promote Fairtrade in Morley. The report was particularly praising of the groups ability to promote Fairtrade amongst the many community groups in the Morley, as well as the ability to publicise the events in local and social media.

Fairtrade changes the way trade works through better prices, decent working conditions and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in developing countries and it is this caring compassionate nature that led Cllr Neil Dawson to propose the motion on Morley Town Council 18 months ago.

The steering group made up of City & Town Councillors, representatives of Local Churches and volunteers from Morley were absolutely delighted with the success and were proud that we can now call Morley a Fairtrade Town. The members of the steering committee are Pete Compton (Chair), Cllr Susan McGarroch (Secretary), Cllr Charlotte Hill (Treasurer), Heather Raistrick (Vice chair), Christine Hirst, Terry Grayshon, Cllr Neil Dawson & Cllr Ben Garner.

Chair of the Campaign to Make Morley a Fairtrade Town Steering Group Pete Compton said ‘it has been a privilege to work with such a hard working and committed group of activists. It is a great achievement and Fairtrade is a great cause and its commitments to fairness and equality really represents Morley Values. We still have plenty of work to do to ensure that we keep Morley a Fairtrade Town and are always on the lookout for more Local Businesses, community organisations and schools to support us. I would like to thank our steering group for all the work they have done and look forward to working with them in the future. ’

The steering group have submitted a plan in order to keep the Fairtrade Status next year which includes a celebratory event for Fairtrade Fortnight 25th February to 10th March 2019, more local events and encouraging local schools and businesses to support Fairtrade by procuring, promoting or selling Fairtrade products. If anyone would like to help please get in touch through the Facebook page searching for ‘Morley Fairtrade Town’, or via the contact page on the website.