Today Torontonians joined the World Vision Bunny and the Bitter Chocolate Bunny to eliminate child labour
MISSISSAUGA, ON, April 1, 2015 /CNW/ - World Vision's cross-Canada chocolate taste test continued today. The international development agency has been calling on all Canadians, from coast to coast, to say "no thanks" to child labour confections and hop on board the 2015 No Child for Sale campaign.
The World Vision Bunny and the Bitter Chocolate Bunny hit the streets of Toronto 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 Toronto choose?
QUOTES
"Canadians do care about child labour. When people are given a chance to make an informed choice, they'll change their buying behavior and pick ethical chocolate," according to Cheryl Hotchkiss, manager of World Vision's No Child for Sale campaign.
"More than half of Canadians believe that they don't consume any products made by children, according to a recent Ipsos Reid survey. But the truth is there are dozens of common household items we buy every day that may contain child labour. We just don't know --- and companies aren't providing us with enough information," Hotchkiss said.
"Most people associate child labour with the clothing industry rather than chocolate. But child labour is a global problem in many different industries. Millions of kids are exploited on cocoa and sugar plantations around the world. This kind of work is hazardous and it threatens their lives and their futures. Canadians do have the power to put a stop 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 Toronto.
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 April 1, 2015 in Toronto, ON. (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150401_C4780_PHOTO_EN_13875.jpg
Share this article