World Fair Trade Organization-(WFTO -Asia)

100% GUILT FREE SHOPPER

               A Celebration of the World fair Trade day & WFTO Asia’s regional campaign launch

World fair trade Day is a worldwide celebration of fair trade which has been supported for the past few years by thousands of citizens, Fair trade organization, social and environmental movements, local authorities, national governments, multilateral institutions, producers and consumers all around the planet. Last year, more than 52 countries in 5 regions are expected to participate.

In the Philippines, WFTO Asia will be celebrating the world fair trade Day in Shangri la Plaza Mall Grand Atrium on May 13 to 15. there will be a photo exhibit, a mini expo of certified fair trade products from all over Asia, and booths where people can sign up to become a volunteer and or a sponsor.

In line with the organization’s regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline “ Shopping with a Conscience,” WFTO  Asia will launch its consumer campaign “ 100% Guilt Free Shopper” on  May 14.

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what fair trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by SWITCHING to fair trade by either BUYING ( certified fair trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy  merchandise) or supporting ( sponsoring/donating/Fundraising, becoming  a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events ), they have the power to BEAT POVERTY BEAT CLIMATE CHANGE,BEAT DISCRIMINATION, BEAT EXPLOITATION AND BEAT IGNORANCE.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia.

“Fair trade is such a worthy advocacy and movement. It’s really big in countries like the Uk and the US. It’s about time that Asia knows about it & unites for change which is not easy because of the relatively low awareness of the Asian consumers about fair-trade “says Zuniga.

 Many celebrities like Emma Watson, Sir Paul Mc Cartney and Annie Lennox have been active supporters of fair trade. Emma Watson, for example, partnered with a WFTO member organization called “People Tree” to release a line of fair trade clothing in the UK.

As part of the 100 % Guilt free Shopper campaign, WFTO Asia will be introducing 12 personalities who’ll be the ambassador of fair trade here in the Philippines. These individuals came from different fields and industries; some are already household names while others are well-known in their respective fields.

1. Jim Paredes ( Musician, EdSA People Power Icon)
2. Patty Laurel ( Model, Host, Pre-school Teacher)
3. Sanya Smith and Quennie Smith ( Model and Singer )
4. Alyanna Martinez ( Fashion Stylist)
5. Rossana Aranaz ( Fashion Blogger,Littlemissdressup.com)
6. Joaquin Valdes ( Filmmaker)
7. Lawrence Antaran ( Graphic Artist and Illustrator )
8. Yeb Sano and Diseree Llanos Dee ( Philippine Climate change Commission)
9. Fran Tobias ( DJ.RX 93.1)
10. Cathy Untalan ( Miss Earth Foundation Exec Director, Beauty Queen )
11. Rick Manzano ( Blogger,ProjectManila.com )
12. Jeremy Callegher & Shun Sasaki (Fair Trade volunteers from France and Japan).

“We choose these people because they represent what the campaign are all about –SWITCHING to become 100% Guilt free shopper. The idea behind the campaign is that anybody can be a Guilt free Shopping Ambassador. You don’t have to be a celebrity or automatically be a 100% fair trade practitioner. The first step in becoming one is to be educated about fair trade and the 10 principles that comprise it. The next step is to slowly transition to fair trade. The change doesn’t have to be radical buy fair trade product and try it. Sign up and be a WFTO volunteer or a sponsor. By the end of 2011, we aspire to have 1,000,000 switchers, 1,000,000 Ambassadors for fair trade. “Says Zuniga.

WFTO Asia has partnered with Hygienix, Human Nature, Nakamuraka.com, the Philippine Climate change commission, AIESEC Philippines, Miss Earth foundation, ECoSack, the Printing Place, Projectmanila.com, Herword.com & Business World to make this event possible.

P.S

If you like to know more information about World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) and it’s program: Call +632-352-3612, email: businessdevelopment@wfto-asia.com or visit the website: wfto-asia.com and facebook.com/wftoasia