Welcome to JUDES

We are a non-profit organization based in Nova Scotia that raises public awareness of fair trade and responsible purchasing. By providing educational resources and facilitating partnerships, JUDES builds solidarity between consumers and small producers across the hemispheres with respect to social, environmental, and economic justice.

Through hands-on activities, educational exchanges, and events, we work to strengthen the understanding and links between producers and consumers.

Don’t miss your chance to escape the winter blues and join us in México!

Leave the resorts behind for an eco-adventure to visit vibrant Oaxaca, México.  A perfect mix of rich culture and lush landscapes, this trip offers the best for a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

Explore ancient indigenous ruins, try your hand at harvesting Fair Trade coffee, hike to your heart’s content, enjoy spectacular vistas, relax and enjoy the tranquility, and experiences the delights of authentic cuisine.  Join this small-group guided travel experience that celebrates local peoples and the environment.

Oaxaca City and México were listed as one of the top ten regions for travel in 2010 by the Globe and Mail.

Choose from two departures: February 20 – 28, 2010 (registration deadline is January 19, 2010) or March 6-14, 2010 (registration deadline is February 4, 2010).  To find out more, please click here.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

On Tuesday, January 12, 2010, Haiti was rocked by a Category 7 earthquake, 15 km from the capital of Port-au-Prince.  We have had several inquiries about how people can help the Earthquake Relief Efforts.

  • The Humanitarian Coalition is a coalition of Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Quebec, CARE, and Save the Children.  This group is accepting donations.
  • Salutary Angels is a Nova Scotian organization that delivers prenatal and postnatal care at the doorstep of less privileged women in rural Haiti, and is also accepting donations.

Upcoming Events

What do our songbirds & your morning coffee have in common?

Many of our songbirds travel long distances every year to overwinter in Central and South America, returning here each spring to nest. The sad news is that many songbirds are declining in numbers, due to habitat loss, exposure to pesticides, window strikes, cats and other predators, and potentially climate change here and in their winter habitats.

JUDES and the Ecology Action Centre are hosting presentations & discussions across the province to talk about coffee farming practices that can help conserve our songbirds.   Choosing Fair Trade, organic, and shade-grown coffee can make a big difference in protecting our migrant songbirds. For more information on bird conservation and bird-friendly coffee, you can:

  • To get some more tips on helping birds, please see 10+1 Ways to Save Birds.  This document was the result of the Ecology Action Centre’s 2008 For Our Birds Conference.
  • For a list of links that will provide you with more information on birds, coffee, and fair trade, please see our Birds & Coffee Handout

Join us for a presentation at the New Glasgow Public Library Program Room (182 Dalhousie Street, New Glasgow) on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 from 7 -9 pm for a presentation, film screening, and discussion.  Sponsored by the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library and the Pictou County Naturalist’s Club.

We will also be presenting on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 7:30 pm at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax (1747 Summer Street).  Sponsored by the Halifax Field Naturalists. 

Want to learn more about birding? Join a Beginner Bird Walk on Saturday, February 6, 2010 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am.  Meet at Hawthorn Street by the Park, at Sullivan’s Pond, Dartmouth.  Wear warm clothes and bring your binoculars.  If you miss this chance, there is another one on Saturday, March 6, 2010 (same time, same place). Support Fair Trade Education

Fair Trade & Organic T-shirts

Consider giving one of our great 100% Fair Trade and organic certified t-shirts (from FibrEthik and WearFair) or one of our pre-loved t-shirts with a unique, hand-illustrated Fair Trade graphic on it ($20).  Contact us for more information on how you can get a t-shirt.  Thanks to Lance Hancock – our intrepid volunteer graphic designer – for the t-shirt design.  Live justly and lightly with these fashion hits.

Give the Gift of Membership

Support Fair Trade education in the Maritimes and buy your family member or friend a  JUDES membership.  Just $10 makes you a Fair Trade supporter!  We’ll even email you a Fair Trade Supporter Gift Certificate.

Membership is a vital component to our ability to reach out across the region and connect those who care about the social, economic, cultural, and environmental welfare of the people who produce our food and goods in our globalized world.  Download our membership form ($10 membership fee can be paid by cash or cheque).

Volunteer with JUDES!

JUDES is looking for volunteers.  Lots of time, or little, we have the perfect volunteer opportunity for you.  Download our current volunteer opportunities.

Join our Facebook Page!

Click here to join our Facebook Profile to learn about upcoming events and activities!