Fair Trade Los Angeles

Fair Trade Pasadena (FT Pasadena) held its first ever benefit on Friday, October 21, 2011 at Lineage Dance Company in Pasadena. FT Pasadena is raising funds to better educate the people of Pasadena and others about the important benefits of Fair Trade and to promote their Fair Trade efforts in Pasadena. Their larger goal is to have Pasadena become the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California.

Mayor Bill Bogaard attended the event to welcome the guests and to share the work of Pasadena in promoting sustainability, a key element of Fair Trade. He also presented the “Fair Trade Pasadena Supports Women” Teen Poster Contest Award to Madeleine Cameron, a student at the Peace and Justice Academy in Pasadena. Her poster, highlighting the empowerment of women through Fair Trade, was selected from a number of entrants. Mayor Bogaard has been approached by the FT Pasadena committee to consider a resolution, declaring Pasadena a Fair Trade Town, and has expressed interest in further dialogue. Pasadena would be the first Fair Trade Town in Southern California and the 25th in the U.S.

Guests were treated to powerful dance performances by Lineage Dance, highlighting Farmer, Artisan and World. FT Pasadena members set the context for these dances by reading quotes from farmers, artisans and the Nine Principles of Fair Trade from the Fair Trade Federation. Those who attended left with a deeper understanding of Fair Trade, many with wonderful silent auction items they had “won,” and gratitude for having had the opportunity to appreciate this wonderful dance company.

As you may know, Fair Trade is an alternative to conventional trade and is based on relationships. Fair Trade products ensure that the producer receives a fair wage and that there are healthy working conditions. An underpinning of Fair Trade is sustainability- from coffee to handmade clothing. With each Fair Trade purchase, you get quality products that improve lives, strengthen communities, and protect the environment.

FT Pasadena is a campaign of Fair Trade LA and is in its second year and already they have many successful accomplishments. Since it began, FT Pasadena has held a number of events, including being part of “A Taste of Fair Trade” Bike Ride held during Bike Week Pasadena, an event that brought cyclists to stores in Pasadena that sell Fair Trade.