Traidcraft Exchange Update

The Regenerators Appeal breaks a record

We’re delighted to announce the final fundraising total for the Regenerators Appeal – together, we raised £1,312,585, including £656,292 of match funding from the UK government. A simply amazing amount which will support those on the front line of the climate crisis.

It’s also the most we’ve EVER raised for a match-funded appeal – so thank you! This summer has seen the climate crisis dominate the headlines again, with record temperatures and flooding occurring across the world. To be announcing such a large amount of money that will go towards climate resilience is an honour – all that is left is to say thank you to our wonderful supporters. It was an appeal like no other, in times like no other, and every single one of you stepped up.

#FashionWatchdog Update

Recently, Greta Thunberg used her platform in Vogue Scandinavia to call out fast fashion – as environmentally ruinous as well as an example of shocking worker abuses. The stage is set for the UK government to heed these calls and make a bold move.

The move in question? Setting up a Fashion Watchdog that will make sure UK fashion companies are playing by the rules. Ministers

are already considering the move – but they need a push in the right direction.

This change is essential. If it isn't implemented, we’ll never see an end to poverty wages and unsafe conditions for the people working in garment factories. The cycle of low pay and shocking conditions shows itself in disasters such as the Rana Plaza collapse in 2012 and the cancelled order crisis at the start of this pandemic. It must be stopped. 11,700 supporters have signed our #FashionWatchdog petition so far. Over ten thousand voices make a lot of noise – adding yours can make things louder and make sure the government gets that last push it needs to stop fashion retailers abusing their power.

TAKE ACTION HERE

What to expect from Big Brew this Harvest time

We were overwhelmed with support for Big Brews both virtual and in-person during the Regenerators Appeal earlier in the year – with tens of thousands of pounds raised via these events alone, they were a massive success.

Stories of door-to-door coffee and cake delivery in lockdown and communities coming back together once restrictions lifted really made this year’s Big Brew – Easter special- and we’ve not even mentioned the ice bucket and operatic and face-shaving challenges undertaken by staff of both Traidcraft and Traidcraft Exchange at our virtual Big Brew events! So, we're going to do things a little differently this Autumn. There will be no Big Brew - Harvest packs, and we will not ask you to fundraise for us in your communities, so hard on the heels of the Regenerators Appeal. It's time for a breather!

Instead though, we'd like to retain and honour the spirit of harvest with a series of virtual events for supporters - a mix of talks, quizzes and workshops - to celebrate and give thanks for the year's successes, and especially for your support. We hope you can join us - keep a look out for more details by email.

We are pleased to announce Traidcraft Exchange’s new partnership with Guardian Angel, a provider of digital, telephone and face-to-face will-writing services. For more information, please contact me: heather.thompson@traidcraft.org.uk or phone 0191 497 6445.