AS Scotland gears up to mark the forthcoming Olympic celebrations in London, one big-hearted Scot is set to relish the once-in-a lifetime challenge.
Angela Oakley – schools volunteer with Edinburgh-based Scottish Fair Trade Forum – has been nominated and chosen to be one of the torchbearers along the procession, which kicks off north of the border this weekend.
Mother-of-three, Angela, is a great believer in helping others, volunteering with the local justice and peace group, Samaritan’s Purse, Just Trading Scotland and many more.
But it was and is Fair Trade that holds a special place in her heart.
She worked very hard to make East Dunbartonshire a Fairtrade county and is currently working on a project to increase sales of Fairtrade cotton schoolwear.
Angela will be cheered on by family and friends, as she holds the torch through the village of Barrmill at 1.30pm. She was nominated by her daughter, Hazel.
The iconic flame will arrive in Stranraer, from Newcastle, this evening and will make its way through Ayrshire on Friday 8th June, before heading to Glasgow the same day, then to Inverness on Saturday the 9th, Aberdeen on Monday the 11th, Forfar on Tuesday the 12th and down to Edinburgh on Wednesday the 13th.
Angela says: “I am thrilled to be chosen to carry this bright, warm torch, which is a symbol of unity, peace and friendship.
“I think it is a great honour. I was nominated by my daughter who sent a letter to the Olympic Committee about the work I do to make the world a fairer place.
“The torch links communities in the country with the Olympic Games in London, which in turn link us with people from all around the world.
“My family are travelling from Manchester and Dundee to come to see me carry the torch and I have been practicing running as I want to be fit so that I can do a great job on the day!”
Scottish Fair Trade Forum director, Martin Rhodes, says: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Angela, and we feel very proud, as one of the Scottish Fair Trade volunteers, that she can also represent our commitment to and involvement in school and community activities in Scotland.”
The Forum is working continually through several campaigns this year to ensure Scotland becomes recognised as a Fair Trade Nation.
-ENDS-
For all SFTF enquiries and more information, contact 0131 226 6162 or email: admin@sftf.org.uk
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Editor’s Notes
Founded in 2007, the Scottish Fair Trade Forum is dedicated to helping Scotland become one of the world’s first Fair Trade Nations.
Through its work with the Fairtrade Foundation and other Fair Trade bodies in the UK and beyond, the organisation engages directly with dozens of Fair Trade groups, schools, universities, local authorities and others to support on-going fair trade activity and encourage it to grow stronger.
It is a partnership between consumers in the west and producers in developing countries.
The Scottish Fair Trade Forum is a Scottish charity (SC039883) and a Scottish company (SC337384). Registered office: Thistle Court, 1-2 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1DD.
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Contact: Scottish Fair Trade Forum
Phone: 0131 226 6162
Email: admin@sftf.org.uk
Website: http://www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk
