This year, kids in Calgary are handing candy back – say what?

Halloween should be a fun time for kids everywhere in the world, even for those in countries where cocoa is grown. Unfortunately this is not always the case.

Why?

There are still problems with forced child labour on many farms that supply cocoa. Despite promises from chocolate manufacturers, this issue is a complicated one that has not progressed much. At the bottom of supply chain, cocoa farmers are being left in poverty while chocolate companies increase their wealth.

How can I help?

Looking for the fairtrade symbol when buying chocolate ensures that minimum standards are being met for cocoa farmers and their families. Fairtrade means a fair price for their product, ethical working conditions without forced child labour, environmentally sustainable practices that are chemical-free, and premiums that are paid to cooperatives to help benefit the community. Supporting fair trade means that children around the world can be educated and enjoy being a child.

Join us!

Join us for a reverse trick or treating group event in Sunnyside on Halloween night! We will be meeting and will be giving chocolates, stickers, buttons and information to increase awareness of the importance of supporting fair trade in Calgary.

Free chocolate minis will be available for the first 20 families who RSVP! After that we will ask that you contribute $5/child to cover the cost.

If you want to participate in your own community, you can buy fairtrade chocolate at the following stores:

Amaranth Natural Foods

Blush Lane Organic Market

Community Natural Foods

Planet Organic

Ten Thousand Villages

Be a superhero this Halloween and support fairtrade!