NEWCASTLE Emlyn Fairtrade Group are using the events of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight to raise money for the Fairtrade sugar co-operative, Kasinthula Cane Growers Association, in Malawi, who have been recently hit by a severe Tropical Cyclone.

This co-operative is particularly close to the hearts of the local Fairtrade community as Allan Saidi, chairperson of Kasinthula Cane Growers Association, visited Emlyn during Fairtrade Fortnight in 2015.

During his visit he planted a commemorative tree to celebrate Newcastle Emlyn becoming a Fairtrade Town and has remained in touch with the Steering Group ever since.

“We were devastated to hear about the plight of our friend, Allan and his community,” said spokesperson Lenshina Hines.

“It's yet another example of how the climate crisis is affecting farmers and growers in the communities that Fairtrade works with.

“Although the sugar crop is unaffected, the farmers’ food crops and food stores have all been inundated and houses have been completely destroyed.

“The community is in urgent need of staple foods such as maize flour, sugar, salt, dried and tinned foods, medicines, water buckets and sanitizers, as well as tents and blankets for temporary accommodation.”

This year, and for the second year running, the theme for Fairtrade Fortnight is about climate justice and Fairtrade.

“The activities organised by Newcastle Emlyn Fairtrade Group have been designed to raise awareness and inform people about the plight of people like Allan and his community, who have contributed little to climate change yet are being affected disproportionally,.” added Lenshina The Fairtrade Group have secured four free days’ parking, thanks to Carmarthenshire County Council, on Friday, March 25, Saturday, February 26, Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5.

“This is a great opportunity to visit Newcastle Emlyn, take part in our Fairtrade climate quiz with the chance of winning a bag of treats and also make a donation to the Kasinthula Cane Growers Association who are on the front line of the climate crisis,” said group member Jill Sutton.

“Donations can be made in our shop, Fair and Fabulous or at the Grow Back Better tree planting event on Saturday, February 26.”