Top award for Fairtrade Fortnight

The University has been named runner-up in the Outstanding Achievement category of the Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 Awards.

During Fairtrade Fortnight in March, the University organised a series of events for staff and students to help spread the Fairtrade message. These included the Big Swap, which challenged people to spot the difference between Fairtrade and standard tea, recipe cards to make Fairtrade Brownies, a five-a-side football tournament and discounts on Fairtrade products.

A lunchtime seminar by Alexandra Chilvers from Cadbury and Dan Morey from the Fairtrade Foundation was also held, along with stalls featuring Fairtrade merchandise.

Dean of Students Jon Elsmore, who is Joint Chair of the University’s Fairtrade Steering Group, said: “This was a real team effort; staff, students, and in particular, our partnership with the Students’ Union really made it happen for us this year. Together we were able to put together a range of different events and messages that we hoped would have a wide appeal. We are all delighted that these efforts and the University’s commitment to Fairtrade have been recognised.”

The judges said they liked the creative ideas the University came up with to engage students and staff with Fairtrade, and were particularly impressed with the variety and quality of activity during the fortnight and the promotional materials produced.

The award is not one that organisations can apply for, as it is awarded to groups that the judges feel have excelled in all areas. This includes communicating the Fairtrade message imaginatively and to lots of people in a well-planned, integrated campaign.

Veronica Pasteur, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation and member of the judging panel, said: “I wish we could award prizes to all the groups across the country who put on an amazing range of events and activities during Fairtrade Fortnight 2010. But these winners showcase some of the most creative, interesting, far-reaching and media-worthy actions that happened as part of the Big Swap and we hope that the funding they receive as part of their award will help them to greater things in Fairtrade Fortnight 2011.”

The University will be presented with the Highly Commended award at a ceremony at the annual Fairtrade Supporter Conference, on Saturday, October 9 2010 in London, along with £400 to go towards the Fairtrade steering group’s future activities.

The Fairtrade Fortnight 2010 Awards are sponsored by The Co-operative Group.

The University of Wolverhampton gained official Fairtrade status in 2008 and is part of the Wolverhampton City Fairtrade Partnership.

ENDS

For media inquiries please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736