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
Image with caption: "The World Vision Bunny and the Bitter Chocolate Bunny raise awareness of child labour in the cocoa industry as part of World Vision’s No Child for Sale campaign on March 31, 2015 in Vancouver, BC. www.worldvision.ca. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150331_C6662_PHOTO_EN_13796.jpg
Jermaine Hylton - cell: 647-261-1291, [email protected]; Brett Tarver - cell: 647-825-2712, [email protected]
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