As Nelson Mandela said “I would have thought that people who subscribe to the same values, who share a common vision & who accept each others integrity have laid the basis for a good relationship.”
Wycombe for Fairtrade is building strong links with the Co-Op Member Pioneer and Community Shared Values division because we have found that we do indeed have shared values when it comes to fair trade.
During Fairtrade Fortnight 2022, the Co-Op is running ‘shared value’ events which reflect the Coop’s huge support for the Fairtrade movement. These are “in-house” events but Wycombe For Fairtrade have been invited to 3 separate Co-Op store events which are designed to raise the profile of Fairtrade to the public.
Wycombe For Fairtrade have backed up our shared community values with action and our objectives coincide exactly with those of the Co-op. Members of our steering group have accepted invitations to attend the following events because we think that the Cooperative Stores’ experience, knowledge and resources, could benefit us in ideas to expand our public face and maybe energize us to reach a wider audience.
The event on 21st February 2022 at their “Flagship store” in Battersea is both national and London focused. It will be attended by Mike King and Tony Thornby of the Wycombe for Fairtrade steering group. Mike hopes that networking at this event will advance our cause to get Coope Victoria coffee roasted in the UK either for Co-op in-house roasted coffee, or from one of their independent roasters, and to progress the idea producing a Grecia/Wycombe Fairtrade Partnership Town blend in the future.
Bourne End event on 25th February 2022 is a local area promotional Fairtrade Community Shared Values event. It will be attended by Mike King.
The Reading University event on 28th February 2022 is the regional promotion location for the Southern Counties. Appropriate Coop food supply chain and food purchasing managers will be present to network with. Wycombe for Fairtrade steering group attendees of this event will be Mike King and Sarah Moroz: Sarah did her PhD at Reading University.