Want to get active and support Oxfam Community Aid Abroad? We need your energy as a volunteer at our biggest event, Oxfam Trailwalker, in Melbourne 1-3 April. Pitch yourself in the beautiful bushland as a Trail marshal or be part of a project management team on a checkpoint.

Shifts are between four and eight hours. Find out more and register by calling the Oxfam Trailwalker team on 1800 088 110 or visit the Trailwalker section.

Fairtrade coffee is starting to receive widespread acceptance by consumers. However, if we are going to make Fairtrade coffee a mainstream product, supermarkets need to stock it and promote it.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad recently wrote to the three major supermarket chains asking that they meet with us to discuss stocking Fairtrade coffee. All three - Coles, Woolworths/Safeway and IGA - have responded. Coles and IGA are currently investigating the option. Woolworths/Safeway responded that they are not currently willing to proceed to stocking Fairtrade.

We are asking all supporters to write to Woolworths/Safeway asking them to make Fairtrade coffee available in all their stores.

It is important that we demonstrate that there is demand for Fairtrade coffee. There is lots of information to support this claim. Fairtrade coffee sales increased 27 per cent in the first six months of 2004. The number of roasters being accredited has now risen to 18 and Fairtrade coffee is stocked in hundreds of shops and cafés across Australia.

All major supermarket chains in the UK stock a range of Fairtrade coffees. Sales in the UK last year rose by 48 per cent. In the US, sales of Fairtrade coffee rose by a staggering 90 per cent last year. Consumers in Australia and around the world want to and are buying ethically.

Take part in the Southern Charity Challenge on Saturday 23 April and support the work of Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. Starting at Goolwa Beach, the challenge has a number of options depending on your fitness levels and enthusiasm. Take part in a 15km fun run or walk to Victor Harbor. Or form a team to complete either a 21km half marathon to Yilki, a 35km trail through bushland, or for the ultimate challenge, a 60km trek through steep hills and creek crossings.

To enter, you need to make a minimum donation to Oxfam Community Aid Abroad. To find out more, contact Brad on (08) 8552 2411 or visit www.southerncharitychallenge.com

We have printed cards available for you to leave at your local café, supermarket or shop to say that you would like them to stock Fairtrade coffee. These business-size cards feature our website address so that retailers can find out where to get Fairtrade coffee.

For a supply of these cards for you and your friends, contact the community campaigner in your state:

• SA - Sally McHenry (08) 8236 2110
• WA - Vanya Bromilow (08) 9262 8200
• QLD - Ann Matson (07) 3637 4615
• NSW - Margaret Di Nicola (02) 8204 3902
• VIC, NT, ACT, TAS - Bruce Francis (03) 9289 9430