John Battle Gets Behind Till For Fair Trade

John Battle, Labour MP for Leeds West, is giving a morning's voluntary work to Trade for Change fair trade shop on Thursday 22 August.

Trade For Change is an independent, Leeds-owned, fair trade retail co-operative that focuses on selling quality, handmade products that in turn help to support poor communities in Third World countries.

"I'm glad to be able to help at Trade for Change," said John Battle. "I've been a shareholder and a customer for years and I'm looking forward to working there - though getting to grips with the till will be a new challenge.

"I support fair trade - it means solidarity between the producers in developing countries and the shoppers here in Leeds. I've visited some of the countries these goods come from and seen for myself the difference that getting a fair price - and decent working conditions - can make for people."

"We believe that people need a hand up rather than a hand out," said Jenny Biddulph, shop manager. "We rely on the support of our shareholders and that of the general public. Because of the nature of retail we cannot survive without this support. Without Trade For Change, the future of our producer groups is put in jeopardy. It helps even if people just spend a few pounds a week with us and there really is something for every person and every wallet."

Trade For Change sells quality, handmade products such as clothing, home furnishings, jewelry, toys, gifts, food, snacks, drinks and much more from Africa, India and South America. It is on Vicar Lane opposite the Corn Exchange.