Orphan Aiders Fair Traders

Orphan Aiders Fair Traders

Orphans Aid shops are urging NZ public to give third-world growers a fair deal this Fair Trade Fortnight. As members of the Fair Trade Association of New Zealand, their shops stock a good range of ethically sourced products.

With this years Mothers Day placed in the middle of the 4th till 19th May’s Fair Trade Fortnight, shoppers have the option of making a good conscience purchase for Mums around the country. Orphans Aid shops in Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill are making the most of this with Fair Trade chocolate and organic Fair Trade foods steadily heading out the door.

Started by Kiwi mum Sue van Schreven in 2004, Orphans Aid International is a Charitable Trust which helps Kiwis in need, and cares for abandoned children in Romania, Russia and India. Encouraging the use of Fair Trade products is another way the charity fights poverty.

Founder and chief executive Sue van Schreven is passionate about using Fair Trade products in her home where ever she can. “Why should our morning coffee continue the cycle of poverty for an under paid third-world grower? If you come over to my place, you’ll be given the options of Fair Trade drinks: coffees, teas and drinking chocolate. Consuming Fair Trade is a way for us to practically care for communities on the other side of the world.”

Sue tells of the difference Fair Trade can make to real communities, “In India where we started a project caring for street children, we now also import these fashionable jute bags which are actually taking women off the streets, giving them good paying jobs, and creating hope for their families.”

Sue and her team at Orphans Aid International have also developed their own Fair Trade product lines helping the poorest of the poor in Uganda, with a range of African animal soft-toys and recycled jewellery. In this Aids ravaged country, 50% of the population are 15 years and younger, so any help is going a long way.

Mrs van Schreven was recently featured on Good Friday on TV One in the documentary, ‘The Orphan Lady” which is still available via tvnzondemand.co.nz, and her charity opened its newest busy Fair Trade shop in Queenstown in March. Visit www.orphansaidinternational.org for more information.

ENDS

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