1. Local actions
Our starting point was to identify some simple ideas to include in our work on a daily basis. We identified "RESPECT" as a strong foundation.
- in 2009 an easy first step was to commit to only purchasing FAIRTRADE tea, coffee and sugar.
- in 2010 we connected with the Fairtrade Foundation through the local Co-op, attending events and learning about global food production. Through this engagement we learnt about coffee from coffee farmers and supported Coffee Kids by donating funds raised through our coffee packaging recycling scheme.
- in 2013 we met Barbara who runs Love that Stuff in Brighton Marina which is a Fairtrade Shop. We know host a pop up shop at Planet Brighton.
- our equity agenda sees us raise awareness of local groups who support people who would be considered to be minorities who are marginalized and not treated equally.
2. National actions
- we raise awareness of Fairtrade Fortnight every year. The campaign, run by the Fairtrade Foundation, celebrates the farmers and workers who grow the food we eat, promoting a living wage and fair trade.
3. Global actions
Our connections focus solely on communities in developing countries who cannot meet their basic needs:
- between 2008 and 2017 we were a collection point for charity Workaid. During this time we collected and donated thousands of new and second hand tools and sewing equipment.
- in 2015 we were approached by Kevin Oketch, the founder of Right Hearts Against Poverty in Kenya to support a project providing feminine hygiene products so girls can attend school:
- we have shipped single use sanitary towels, cloth reusable towels and sewing materials to make cloth towels.
- in 2019, after saving all year, we bought a commerical sewing machine for Kevin enabling him to launch a community sewing programme.
- in 2020, our focus shifted to COVID 19 and with the help of our supporters we raised funds for soap, clean water and food.
- in October 2021, thanks to a fundraising effort by Cindy Davies and staff at the Pensions Regulator we were able to fund a 2nd commercial sewing machine. We also shipped visors, masks and soap. We are currently fundraising for a new phone for Kevin.
We understand the value of education and learnt about the lack of access to education across the world:
- between 2013 and 2017 we worked with Malcolm O'Brien who runs Pens for Kids and collected thousands of pens.
- between 2014 and 2017 we collected 2nd hand school equipment for Gill Castle who runs Omushana, a charity supporting schools in Uganda.
- between 2015 and 2019, we worked with local resident Rachelle Watkins who supports Faith School Busia, a primary school in Uganda. We donated books, toys and school equipment.
- in 2019 we started working with a community in Gambia sending enough school equipment for 5 schools. We also provided and tools and sewing accesssories to equip a local training community centre.
In addition to donating equipment several group benefit from our recycling programme:
- in 2010 we dedicated our foreign currency recycling programme to Survival International work in partnership with tribal peoples to campaign, lobby and protest for their land rights and amplify the tribal voice and make sure it is heard.
- in 2017 we started collecting extra strong and colourful carrier bags for Care for Basket, who help local craftspeople of Ghana weave beautiful quality baskets and other crafts from plastic waste.
- in October 2021 we partnered with Care4Calais Brighton and hosted a 4 days marathon collection of clothing and essentials for people seeking asylum in the UK.
