This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 23 May 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
DYNAMIC Fair Trade pioneer Greg Valerio, who helped bring Fairtrade gold to market, will be the keynote speaker at a Shrove Tuesday Fairtrade event for churches. The event - which will also offer a chance to enjoy pancakes with Fairtrade toppings - will take place at Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford, from 7. 30 pm to 9. 30 pm on Tuesday 28 February.
It's co-sponsored by the Diocese of Oxford, CCOW, Fair Trade at St Michael's and the Oxford Fair Trade Coalition.
Greg Valerio during a trip to Choco Columbia to pan for gold in 2004.
Lion Hudson Greg received an MBE for his role in helping small-scale miners and developing Fairtrade gold, and was the Observer Ethical Awards Global Campaigner in 2011.
His biography notes:"Standing in a filthy mine in India he called the 'gateway to hell' convinced Greg he had to be not only a budding retail jeweller - but also a campaigner on behalf of those who were being exploited at the source. " Since then he's worked tirelessly with miners and reformers to confront industry giants and power brokers and to bring human rights and environmental justice to the jewellery value chain.
Come and hear more about his story, his faith, the amazing people he's worked with, and how your church can get involved with Fairtrade around the Diocese. Click here to register or call 01235 851763.