FOUR O'CLOCK PARTNERS WITH FAIRTRADE CAMPUSES ACROSS CANADA
The growing interest in Fairtrade has become an important issue for many consumers. They are concerned about the ethical aspect behind the products they consume. It is now, unfortunately, very normal to buy various products blindly! But we now want to learn more about the source of the products we consume every day! In concrete terms, a Fairtrade certification makes it possible to guarantee the ethical production of certain everyday items. At Four O'Clock, it was self-evident that we would be associated with such a cause. As part of Fairtrade Canada, we participate in many social initiatives, including the establishment of several Fairtrade campuses across Canada. Let's discover together what this social project on college and university campuses is all about!
WHAT IS A FAIRTRADE CAMPUS?
First, it is important to know that there are Fairtrade campuses all across Canada. On these campuses, university students have made the decision to take action to make their campus more ethical. It is, therefore, a campus that has chosen to educate itself and its community about fair trade.
So how does the notion of equity come about in these schools? In fact, students in these educational institutions educate themselves and their communities about fair trade. They also promote the sale of fair trade products on and around their Fairtrade campus. Knowing that fair trade is changing lives in the regions concerned, it can be said that the contribution of these students is helping to make our world a better place! After all, fair trade initiatives improve the conditions of producers and their families. By promoting fair trade products in their schools, these young people are also making a social contribution. So, what are you waiting for before joining the movement?
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA FOR BECOMING A FAIRTRADE CAMPUS?
To qualify as a Fairtrade campus, the institutions applying must meet certain criteria. These campuses must meet a series of criteria, falling under three main requirements. Here they are!
1. ESTABLISH A STEERING COMMITTEE ON CAMPUS
The first criterion concerns the creation of a steering committee within the university to carry out this major fair trade project. This group, made up of active volunteers, must be engaged with the community and hold regular meetings to ensure that they remain committed to the cause!
2. MAKE FAIR TRADE PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON CAMPUS
Then, to become a Fairtrade campus, it is necessary to ensure that all the catering services on campus offer fair trade certified products. After all, we aim to ensure that as many people as possible benefit from fair trade!
3. ENSURE FAIR TRADE VISIBILITY AND STUDENT EDUCATION
To be fair trade certified, the university environment must ensure the visibility of the fair trade organization by organizing activities to inform participants of the presence of fair trade products on campus. During these events, it is important to raise awareness about the importance of fair trade. In this sense, the steering committee must be rigorous in holding its meetings in order to master the various fair trade issues in order to answer the questions of other students.
Figures shown are global data for 2015. Financial figures have been converted to Canadian Dollars and are estimates only.
WHICH UNIVERSITIES ARE FAIRTRADE CAMPUSES?
Did you know that in Canada, there are 32 campuses that are designated as fair trade? In their own way, these Fairtrade campuses contribute to making the world a fairer and more equitable place. Among these, in Quebec, are the University of Montréal and Polytechnique, which have decided to join the cause. There are also several Fairtrade campuses outside Quebec, including in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. In short, no matter where you are in Canada, fair trade campuses are accessible! So why not visit one and get your favourite tea at the same time?
ON WHICH CAMPUSES IS FOUR O'CLOCK LOCATED?
- Acadia University, NS
- Brock University, ON
- Capilano University, BC
- Carleton University, ON
- Sorel-Tracy Cegep, QC
- Concordia University, QC
- Humber College Lakeshore, ON
- King’s University College, ON
- Macewan University, AB
- McGill University, QC
- Memorial University of Newfoundland - St.John’s campus, N.L.
- Polytechnique Montréal, QC
- Selkirk College, BC
- Simon Fraser University, BC
- St. Paul’s University College, ON
- Trent University, ON
- University of Montréal, QC
- University of Sherbrooke, QC
- University of Alberta, AB
- University of British Columbia, BC
- University of Calgary, AB
- University of Guelph, ON
- University of Northern British Columbia, BC
- University of Ottawa, ON
- University of St. Michael’s College, ON
- University of Toronto Mississauga, ON
- University of Toronto Scarborough, ON
- University of Trinity College, ON
- University of Victoria, BC
- University of Western Ontario, ON
- Vanier College, QC
- Wilfrid Laurier University, ON
To conclude, we hope that you have a better understanding of what Fairtrade campuses are. You now know how they contribute to improving the living conditions of producers in several countries. You can read more about the subject in the Fairtrade Campus Action Guide.
Feel free to encourage these campuses by visiting them! And at the same time, don't hesitate to capture the moment. Share your photos with us on #momentfouroclock!