Today Vancouverites joined the World Vision
Bunny and the Bitter Chocolate Bunny to eliminate child
labour
VANCOUVER, March 31, 2015 /CNW/ - While Canadians love
their Easter treats, it can often feel like a guilty pleasure,
according to World Vision. But the international development agency
believes Canadians can ease their conscience by saying "no
thanks" to child labour confections and hopping on board the
2015 No Child for Sale campaign.
The 2015 campaign launched today with the World Vision
Bunny and the Bitter Chocolate Bunny taking to the
streets of Vancouver to raise
awareness of the child labour that may be found in their baskets of
goodies. One bunny offered samples of ethically-certified chocolate
from World Vision's Good Chocolate Guide while the other bunny
unwrapped the dark side of the cocoa industry by tempting passersby
with chocolates that may contain child labour. Which
chocolate did the people of Vancouver choose?
QUOTES
"The results of World Vision's street side
taste test were conclusive --- when given an opportunity to make an
informed choice, Canadians prefer to indulge in ethical chocolate,"
according to Cheryl Hotchkiss,
manager of World Vision's No Child for Sale campaign.
"A recent Ipsos Reid poll revealed that more than half of
Canadians believe they don't consume any products made by children,
but there are literally dozens of household items we buy daily that
may contain child labour. We just don't know --- and companies
aren't providing us with enough information," Hotchkiss said.
"When asked to look at a list of everyday products and choose
which product they most associate with child labour, 61% of
Canadians chose clothing, according to Ipsos Reid. Only 4% chose
chocolate. Sadly, millions of children are exploited on cocoa and
sugar plantations across the globe. This hazardous work threatens
their lives and their futures. But Canadians do have the power to
put an end to child labour," Hotchkiss said.
CRITICAL CANADIAN
SOLUTIONS
1) Buy products
that support fair labour practices, even if it costs a bit
more. Speaking with your wallet is a powerful motivator for
companies to change.
2) Sponsor a child through an
organization like World Vision. Access to basics like food,
shelter, water and education creates economic alternatives so
families don't need to send their children into dangerous, dirty
and degrading work.
3) Show the source! Ask
Canadian companies for better product information that shows how
they are identifying, monitoring and addressing child labour in
their supply chains.
RESOURCES
Photos of the World Vision
Bunny & the Bitter Chocolate Bunny in
Vancouver. http://ow.ly/L2xJw.
Photos of child labour
Recent Ipsos Reid poll results on Canadian attitudes towards child
labour
#WorldVisionCan
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy
organization dedicated to working with children, families and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves
all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit
our News Centre worldvision.ca
SOURCE World Vision Canada