11 February 2013
Real Easter egg campaign launches
Congregations, schools and individuals are being asked to support the Real Easter Egg 2013 campaign and help change a life.
Of the 80 million chocolate eggs expected to be sold in the UK, the Real Easter Egg is the first and only Fairtrade egg to explain the meaning of Easter on and in the box.
Now in its third year, the Real Easter Egg 2013 has a free activity pack in the box which includes the Easter story, activity poster, free video download and a sticker set. The resurrection text from Mark can also be found inside the lid along with the greeting 'Happy Easter!'
Last year stories began to emerge of people whose life had been changed after being given a Real Easter Egg. A grandmother from Oxfordshire gave an egg and explained: "Tracy saw the book that was included with the egg and wanted her mum to read the story to her… The following week Tracy attended Sunday School."
But it is not only at home that lives have been transformed. With each sale of The Real Easter Egg a donation is made to Traidcraft Exchange to support some of the poorest farmers in the world. More than £40,000 has been donated so far. A Fairtrade premium is also paid to farmers allowing them to invest in their community buying everything from school books and solar panels, to providing fresh water supplies.
David Marshall, founder of the Meaningful Chocolate Company, said: "It is encouraging to hear many lives have been changed by people receiving a Real Easter Egg. It is proof that the events of Easter, including the death and resurrection of Jesus, have the power to open minds, change lives and offer real hope. It is also a boost for charitable giving, Fairtrade and the work of trade justice. I hope individuals will hunt out a Real Easter Egg this year."
Singer Tara Mathew (pictured) said: "Being involved with The Real Easter Egg is a real blessing. What could be better than combing my two favourite pastimes, spreading the gospel and eating delicious chocolate!"
Last year churches across the UK joined the campaign. Congregations promoted the egg, put sign-up lists in church, took orders, money and placed a direct order. More than 90,000 eggs were delivered through the post to churches in this way.
