Edinburgh church recognized for supporting Fairtrade

An Edinburgh church has been acknowledged by the Scottish Parliament for its tireless contribution to the Fairtrade motion.

Balerno Parish Church has been on the coronary heart of local people work to assist farmers in low-income nations for the previous 20 years.

Its not-for-profit cafe, The Mill Cafe, makes use of native and Fairtrade merchandise wherever attainable.

Any funds raised go to assist the work completed at St Joseph’s Centre, which is run by the church for the group of Balerno.

Gordon McDonald, MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands, tabled a movement congratulating the individuals of Balerno for his or her contribution to Fairtrade Fortnight. (September 9-22)

Organized by the Fairtrade Basis, the annual occasion raises consciousness of the marketing campaign to make sure agricultural cooperatives, companies and governments in growing nations be certain that producers earn secure and sustainable livelihoods based mostly on honest commerce.

Backed by cross-party MSPs, the movement states: “That Parliament congratulates Balerno on its twentieth yr as a Fairtrade Village.

“Balarno Fairtrade acknowledges the unimaginable efforts of village members, native retailers together with the Mill Cafe and native colleges and residents who’ve enthusiastically supported Fairtrade Fortnight and Fairtrade all year long.”

The Mill Cafe is open Tuesday by means of Friday 9am to 2pm and the second Saturday of every month from 9am to 1pm when the native farmers market is open.

Balerno Parish Church says: “The Mill isn’t just a restaurant.

“It is an necessary asset for the entire group within the coronary heart of Balerno, with its many loyal clients and the devoted band of volunteers and employees who love making it occur.”

Lesley Henderson of Balerno Fairtrade Village Group mentioned: “We’re delighted that the parliamentary movement helps and applauds Fairtrade generally, in addition to recognizing the numerous particular contributions of Balerno during the last 20 years.

“Gordon Macdonald famous The Mill Cafe, which is a significant a part of Ballerno Parish Church’s sensible presence on the coronary heart of this group,

“It commonly makes use of Fairtrade drinks and different Fairtrade merchandise at any time when it will possibly

“It has additionally produced extra Fairtrade themed desserts to assist mark the fortnight and is actively selling different native ‘Fortnite’ occasions similar to stalls at Ballerno Farmers Market, which will probably be staffed by some church members.”

The Rev Derek Moon, native minister at Balerno Parish Church, mentioned members had been delighted that their efforts to assist individuals in growing nations had been acknowledged within the Scottish Parliament.

“The church has all the time been a robust supporter of Fairtrade and members have been concerned in establishing the group,” he added.

“It is necessary that we take an energetic half in utilizing God’s sources in probably the most sustainable and equitable manner that we are able to.”