Blackpool has been awarded Fairtrade status for its commitment to Fairtrade principles, following a five-year campaign.
The resort is now officially a Fairtrade Town, after it made a resolution in 2012 to actively promote fairness to consumers, businesses and community groups in the area.
As part of the campaign, the Blackpool Fairness Commission, set up on behalf of the council, has committed itself to the importance of fairness across the resort by carrying out a number of activities in communities which are home to people who are less privileged than others.
Cllr Maria Kirkland, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member responsible for the Fairness Commission, said: “Achieving Fairtrade status is excellent news for Blackpool and it’s thanks to all the hard work and commitment of everyone involved who have helped to make it happen.
“Fairtrade is something we can all take part in. People can make a big difference to the lives of farmers and workers around the world whether it’s through talking to others about the benefits of Fairtrade or swapping a regular product for a Fairtrade one.”
Layton Ward Cllr Martin Mitchell proposed the original motion for Blackpool to become a Fairtrade town and was the Council’s representative on the Steering Committee throughout.
He said: “It’s a terrific achievement for Blackpool to become a Fairtrade town. It puts our commitment to fairness centre stage and reminds everyone that we all live in one world. As we become ever more sophisticated, it’s important to remember those who can only survive if the world treats them fairly.”
Some of the work carried out by the Commission included launching the 100 Acts of Kindness campaign which encouraged people to carry out a good deed for a neighbour, friend or someone they didn’t even know. They also held activities with local schools across the resort and held the town’s first ever Kindness Convention, attended by hundreds of people, including third-sector organisations.
Blackpool Fairness Commission have also been instrumental in making the town dementia friendly through their work with various health organisations who work with the condition.
Adam Gardner, Communities Campaigns Manager at the Fairtrade Foundation, said: “We are delighted to welcome Blackpool to the Fairtrade movement which now boasts more than 1,900 communities worldwide, taking practical steps to making a fairer world trade system a reality.”
