Bradford Cathedral will be holding its third annual Big Brew – in support of Transform Trade – on Sunday 22nd September at around 11:45am, following that morning’s 10:30am Choral Eucharist.

The Big Brew is a chance to gather friends and family together over a (fair trade!) cuppa and some homemade cakes and treats to raise money in support of trade and climate justice.

Following the service there will be slices of cake and biscuits made with Fairtrade ingredients, a quiz and Fairtrade game to enter and a short film to watch.

Sunday 22nd September marks the close of Fairtrade Fortnight 2024. It’s 30 years since Fairtrade products first hit the shelves, and this year we are all being asked to BE THE CHANGE by choosing Fairtrade every time. When we do this, we are making an active choice to support over 2 million Fairtrade farmers and workers across 58 countries, to ensure they can earn a fairer wage.

Those taking part will be invited to pay what they can, with all the money raised being donated to charity Transform Trade, who have begun to help create 100 community-owned shops called Sadaipati in Bangladesh – and the inspirational women running these shops are transforming their communities. They want to help build 100 of these transformative shops – and all the Big Brew events held across the country could help them build the next one.

Elaine de Villiers, organiser of the Big Brew and member of the Bradford Cathedral Eco Group, says:
“When you join in a Big Brew, you are taking a stand to help build a fairer and more just world – where everyone, no matter where they were born, gets a fair deal from trade. Our past donations are making a difference to the lives of farmers.”

The Revd Canon Ned Lunn, Canon for Intercultural Mission and the Arts, says:
“Commitment to justice in all its forms can feel like a never-ending task… it is.

“Like the old story of the child on the beach throwing starfish back into the sea, this work can feel thankless and pointless… but it isn’t!

“Each time we intentionally think about the issue of trade justice and consider why, how and what we purchase we make a difference. The difference is made because it is through this consideration that habits are formed, and as habits form lives are changed.

“As we individually reshape our lives we begin to make a wider difference by inspiring and helping others to join us and so on, until those who suffer as they produce the things we enjoy will feel the change we have participated in.

“So come down and continue the work of transformation.”

For more information – and to book your free places – visit https://bradfordcathedral.churchsuite.com/events/z92afpho or call the Bradford Cathedral office (Mon-Fri, 9am – 2:45pm) on 01274 77 77 20.