Members of Holme Valley Fairtrade are delighted to say a huge Fairtrade WELCOME to Marielle O'Neill, who is the new Chair for Kirklees Fairtrade Forum.
Marielle O'Neill, Labour and Co-operative councillor for Batley West is delighted to be the new Chair of Kirklees Fairtrade Forum after the sudden death of her beloved father, Peter O'Neill.
Marielle, 27, said; 'I am honoured to be the Chair of Kirklees Fairtrade Forum and hope to continue my dad's great work. My dad was passionate about Fairtrade and ensuring workers world-wide get a fair deal for their work. Both my parents enjoyed attending Fairtrade events.'
Having worked in Parliament and on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Marielle takes a keen interest in International Relations and the impact globalisation has on a grassroots level both in the UK and over-seas.
Marielle said, 'In today's world we really do have a global marketplace but we have to understand that the brand of bananas we buy at the supermarket has a huge impact on the life of the farmer in Ecuador. Paying a few pence extra doesn't make much difference to many of us in the UK but it can greatly improve the life of the farmer and his family.'
As well as Fairtrade, Cllr O'Neill's political interests include American Politics, Education and promoting women's rights and equality and diversity.
Although Peter O'Neill will be greatly missed throughout the Fairtrade movement, Holme Valley Fairtrade are certain that Marielle is the perfect person to step in to the role of Chair of Kirklees Fairtrade Forum.
Holme Valley Fairtrade welcome Marielle with open arms, and can't wait to begin working alongside her!
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