The Oaktree Foundation has officially announced itself as a Fairtrade organisation.
Australia’s largest entirely volunteer and youth run aid and development organisation is leading by example and ensuring that every purchase made positively impacts farmers in developing countries around the world.
Oaktree’s Tasmanian State Director, Robert Hortle, says it’s time for the organisation practise what it preaches.
“Oaktree is passionate about leading the way and setting an example for others. We are dedicated to ending extreme poverty and this is another fantastic step we are taking in the right direction,” he says.
Buying products labelled Fairtrade means that the money you pay goes towards providing a better deal for farmers. This includes better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and having fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world.
“It really is important to think about the impact you have when buying coffee or cocoa,” says Mr Hortle.
Fair Trade requires companies to pay sustainable prices for produce and consequently addresses the discrimination and inequality often associated with conventional trade.
The Oaktree Foundation is now part of the Fairtrade movement which will enable people in the developing world to have more control over their lives and improve their position. The Oaktree Tasmania branch have their kitchen stocked with Fairtrade tea, coffee and hot chocolate, and all promotional t-shirts are proudly labelled Fairtrade.
Mr Hortle says the Fairtrade movement in Tasmania is growing and hopes the organisation’s actions will speak louder than words.
“We are extremely excited about being part of the Fairtrade movement. Oaktree is all about empowerment and education and we hope that taking these steps will encourage others to make the change to Fair Trade as well,” he says.
The Oaktree Foundation is Australia’s largest entirely youth and volunteer run, aid and development organisation – ‘Young people working together to end extreme poverty’.
Carla Johnson, Oaktree Tasmania Communications Coordinator
