Shared Interest’s Membership Development Co-ordinator Ashleigh Wilson and Supporter Relations Officer Ruth Taylor embarked upon a four-day tour to Northern Ireland from 25th-28th May. This involved a visit to Belfast; Ireland’s only Fairtrade city.

They culminated their tour of faith groups, volunteer bureaux and universities in the region with a visit to a Belfast store that stocks clothing made by some of the businesses it works with across the globe. Fairtrade Inspires sells Fairtrade clothing and handicrafts including T-shirts made by Epona Clothing using certified Fairtrade organic cotton from Agrocel; both of which have benefited from Shared Interest loans in the past.

Ashleigh explains: “With our growing team of ambassadors, we have a strong volunteer base right across the UK. However, in Northern Ireland we have only two volunteers and wanted to give people the opportunity to get involved and build on the city’s Fairtrade status.”

Denis Stewart, who has been an investor for over 14 years and a volunteer alongside that for the last five, met up with Ashleigh and Ruth at Fairtrade Inspires to talk about encouraging more support from people living in the area.

He said: “I believe there are about 73 Shared Interest investors in Northern Ireland, and aside from me, there is just one more person volunteering their time. I would definitely find it useful to have a network of like-minded individuals to help out at events or even just to share ideas with.”

Fairtrade Inspires store manager Rebecca Bromley said: “Shared Interest holds a crucial role in the fair trade movement and, without their investors and volunteers; perhaps we wouldn’t be able to sell such an array of Fairtrade products on a daily basis.

“We were delighted that Shared Interest brought their Belfast tour to a close in our store and also to hear that they have recruited new volunteers during their stay.

“Fairtrade Inspires supports handicraft makers in the developing world by providing an outlet to sell their products and it is fascinating to meet with people involved at another part of this vital supply chain.”

Both Ashleigh and Ruth intend to travel back to Northern Ireland this year. Ashleigh explains: “Whilst the group of members and ambassadors who congregated together was small, their enthusiasm and determination to work together on a regular basis to promote Shared Interest throughout Northern Ireland was inspiring.

“I very much look forward to hearing about their progress and shall be working closely with the group to support them with their efforts and increase the number of people they can share their ideas with.”

If you would like to volunteer in your area, then please click here for further details.

Click here to learn how you can invest in fair trade. Click here to donate to the Shared Interest Foundation