The Other Hastings
Many people write or email me to discuss international aid and development.
Far flung places and countries may not seem like a priority given some of the challenges we face at home but I am always moved by the compassion people feel for others who are less fortunate than themselves.
For all the doom and gloom we read about in the media we still have food, clean water, shelter and institutions like the Police to protect us and the NHS to treat us. In some parts of the world people live day-to-day wondering what they will eat and how they will earn money for their family.
The people of Hastings and Rye have always been generous with both their money and their time. Last Friday I attended a quiz evening hosted by the Hastings Sierra Leone Friendship Link. For those of you unfamiliar with the Charity they build friendship and help to raise funds for our twin town of Hastings in Sierra Leone. That country suffered a horrendous civil war in the 1990s that left the economy and infrastructure in ruins. You can learn more about the Friendship Link's work online www.hastingshastings.org.uk.
28 teams battled it out at the Civil Service Sports Club. Jeremy Birch was the super-efficient quizmaster and Derek Tomblin ran a superb laser display board which kept everyone up to date on their triumphs and failings. The evening was a great success and I understand around 1500 was raised. This money will go towards the work of the charity including the construction of a community resource centre which will combine admin, banking and post-office facilities, an IT training area, and space for groups to meet.
A big thank you to the organizers of the quiz. I am always impressed by people who give so willing to give of their time and endeavor to help others halfway across the world.
However, I want to point out that helping people in Sierra Leone and other countries can be about small things. I want to remind everyone it is currently Fairtrade Fortnight (February 22 until March 7).
During this global economic downturn, it is vital that world trade continues. By buying food, gifts and other products from developing countries we will help grow their economies and reduce poverty.
We often hear about the importance of multi billion aid programmes, the IMF and world trade rules. But there is also more that we can do as consumers. Three simple steps will help grow the fair trade market and deliver benefits to some of the world's poorest countries.
First, where possible, swap your shopping for a Fairtrade labelled product. www.fairtrade.org.uk
Second, if there is no Fairtrade labelled alternative, ask the retailer to offer Fairtrade products in the future.
Third, ask for clear labelling about where products have come from and about the working conditions of those who produced the goods.
By shopping for development we can help provide a vital route out of poverty for many in the world's poorest countries. And by following the three simple steps we can have an immediate effect over Fairtrade Fortnight.
And if you, like me, feel strongly about global poverty, add your voice to the campaign for a law to guarantee international aid at www.globalpovertypromise.com
To keep up to date on what I'm doing stop by my website www.michaelfoster.org.uk.
You can also receive a monthly update on my activities by sending an email to mp@1066.net with 'MPFree' in the subject line.
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Weather for St Leonards-on-Sea
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -7 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 0 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North east
