Throughout May and early June the Ludlow Fairtrade Town Group held a range of fundraising events to support international development charity Traidcraft Exchange’s Regenerators Appeal.

Through the Appeal, Traidcraft Exchange are working with smallholder producers in developing countries to empower them to combat the devastating effects of climate change.

The Fairtrade Town Group are pleased to announce that over £750 has been raised thanks to the support of Ludlow’s incredible community of volunteers, fundraisers and citizens. The activities included a virtual climate change quiz, a Bring & Buy Bake Sale, a second-hand book stall and a pop-up craft fayre as well as kind donations from members of the congregation at St Laurence’s Church.

The nationwide Appeal has been selected to receive matched funding from the UK government, which means that Traidcraft Exchange will receive a grand total of £1,626.05 as a result of donations from the Ludlow community.

We are absolutely delighted by the amount raised and would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who supported our events and made a donation

Laura Perratt, a member of the Fairtrade Town Group.

“We have worked very hard over the past few weeks to organise these events – including our first ever event held over Zoom, which was a learning curve for us! When we counted up the donations and discovered how much had been raised, it made all of our collective efforts worthwhile.

The success we’ve seen is a real testimony to the generosity of our local community, who are clearly committed to supporting charitable efforts even after a very challenging year.”

As of the end of May over £420,000 had been raised for Traidcraft Exchange, with the total value yet to be confirmed but likely to exceed their target of £500,000. The money raised will help fund the charity’s important work with vulnerable communities in Bangladesh, India and East Africa. Matched funding from the UK government will fund a new project with farmers in Tanzania to help them learn climate-smart farming techniques as well as investing in green technology such as irrigation systems and solar panels.

The Ludlow Fairtrade Town Group are members of local sustainability organisation Ludlow 21, and advocate for trade justice and ethical consumerism as well as promoting environmentally friendly living.

For more information and to get involved, please email ludlowfairtrade@gmail.com or visit: ludlowfairtrade.com