From Inspires On-Line: An Alternative Advent – the 90kg challenge
As Advent approaches Just Trading Scotland, a fair trade organisation, set
up to facilitate the import and distribution of fairly traded products to the UK
is inviting people to take on the 90kg challenge and help give farmers in
Malawi and some of the poorest in our own society hope and
encouragement. As we settle down for Christmas dinner this year, halfway
across the world in Malawi they will be doing the same. However in Malawi it
won’t be turkey and fruit puddings on the table, it is rice which they will use
to mark this special occasion.
Others in our society will be so desperate that they have to go to food banks
to get food for their table. Rice is one of the foods that food banks find it
difficult to source.
Why 90kgs?
90kg is the amount that a farmer needs to sell in order to send a child to
school for one year.
Secondary Education is too expensive for the majority of the population with
less than 1 in 3 children able to atten d.
The Rev Prof John Riches, Chair of Just Trading Scotland says “Advent is a
time for reflection: how can we respond to the challenges we’ll face in the
coming new year? Where do we find hope in a world threatened by conflict,
intractable poverty, by climate change, by mass movements of population?
“Taking time to reflect on the lives of rice farmers in Africa and taking
effective action to
support them may
After the service on 06 December, a
help change their
Mini Christmas Market will take place
lives and ours, give
in the Vestry where we all meet for
us greater
coffee & a blether!
understanding and
Members of the congregation are invited
commitment to work
for justice.
to donate crafts or other fancy goods for
An Advent journey
worthwhile!”
sale. Please price them before placing
them on the table.
Further details on
the 90kg challenge
and information on
Just Trading
Scotland can be
found at
http://www.jts.co.uk/
Lucky Dip! If you are no longer able to
make a wonderful creation to sell, don’t
worry! You can still donate a surprise
gift to the value of £1 in a colourful gift
bag for the Lucky Dip!
StOM Page 12