The Olds Advisory Group for Sustainable Living was instrumental in seeing Olds became the first officially-designated Fair Trade Town in the province of Alberta in November 2009. Now part of Business & Investment Attraction, the Fair Trade Committee supports Fair Trade in Olds as part of an international system of doing business based on principles of dialogue, transparency, and respect. Conventional trade frequently fails to deliver on promises of sustainable livelihoods and growth opportunities for people often in the poorest countries in the world. Fair Trade provides tangible benefits to small-scale farmers and workers, consumers and the environment.
Terms of Reference (Vision, Mission, Goals)
Fair Trade Olds hopes for signage in 2012
The town of Olds became Alberta's first fair trade community in 2009. On October 24, 2011, the Fair Trade Olds committee followed up on a request to council for signage to recognize the town's accomplishment. Bev Toews, chairperson of the Fair Trade Olds committee, was part of a delegation in attendance at the council meeting.
CAO Norm McInnis stated that when they replace the reader board signs at either end of town, perhaps there will be an opportunity for town accomplishments to have a presence there. (Click the button image to hear Bev's radio interview.)
The number of fair trade businesses & restaurants in the town of Olds has more than doubled since November of 2009. More information about the 18 participating local merchants as well as the products available is featured on the Fair Trade Olds Facebook page.
Besides promoting Fair Trade practices, the Olds Institute celebrates International Fair Trade Week each May.
2012 Fair Trade Fortnight in Olds - May 1 - 15
The Fair Trade Olds committee is very pleased to offer a number of events to celebrate Fair Trade Fortnight. Look what's coming!
Taste the Flavour of Fair Trade in Olds
Visit our local retailers to learn more about Fair Trade products.
Bean Brokers
Granny Jack's
Health Street
Liquor Depot
No Frills
Nutter's Bulk Foods
re.Find
Shopper's Drug Mart
Sobey's
Stang's Health Centre
Westview CO-OP Grocery Store
Or check out the Facebook page for a list of businesses selling Fair Trade Products.
Valuable Links of Interest
News Release - Town of Olds named first Fair Trade Town in Alberta
Backgrounder: Fair Trade in Olds
TransFair Canada
News from Fair Trade Oakland
