More than 60 people turned out in freezing weather to welcome Marcial Quintero of the Coobana cooperative. Marcial on a visit all the way from Panama told us how Fairtrade had transformed the lives of him, his fellow workers and his community.
Marcial spoke at the launch of Chorlton as a Fairtrade Zone, held at St Clement's chruch hall on 3 March.
Marcial, left, talked about the formation of the Coobana cooperative, the struggle to cover costs and the transformative change brought when the cooperative signed up for Fairtrade certification. Marcial described in detail how the Fairtrade premium is used for social and enviromental improvements, and reinvestment in the production of bananas.
Thanks to the Co-op and Unicorn for their support for this event, along with St Clement's church and the Diocese of Manchester, Justicia and the many volunteers who helped make it happen.
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Chorlton and District Coops is organised by a group of concerned members of the Co-op. We aim to promote collaboration between members, Co-op stores and other cooperatives in Chorlton.
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