Olds High School was designated as just the sixth Fair Trade School in Canada this month.
The status is awarded by the Canadian Fair Trade Network and Fairtrade Canada.
For the past 10 years, the school has been incorporating fair trade products and education in activities as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) school.
"It helps our students to participate in being global citizens in a positive way. It helps them realize how our lives and the purchases we make affect other countries," said Bev Toews, the school's UNESCO coordinator.
Fair Trade-certified goods are those sourced from producers who pay a living wage, use environmentally-sustainable methods, do not use child or forced labour and have gender-equitable operations.
To maintain its designation, OHS has formed a steering committee responsible for making fair trade products available. The composition includes staff and students: Montana Durand, Emily Mertens, Jack Jin, Martina Zumbuehl, Tatum Olsen, Melanie Hillier, Jana Kemmere, Bev Toews and Kent Lorenz.
At the end of every week, OHS has Fair Trade Fridays, where tea, coffee and hot chocolate are sold in the morning.
On Monday, the school held a Banana Split Day. Students who purchased a fair trade good over the weekend received a free banana split, made of fair trade products.
Various fair trade products available in town include: chocolate bars, cocoa and hot chocolate powder, coffee, tea, sugar, agave syrup, coconut milk, spices, molasses, kombucha and wine.
Other Designated Fair Trade Schools include: Ecole Secondaire De Mortagne in Boucherville, Que.; Stonewall Collegiate in Stonewall, Man.; St. Kateri Catholic School in Fort McMurray; Ecole Secondaire Cavelier-De LaSalle in LaSalle, Que.; and Gimli High School in Gimli, Man.
"It helps our students to participate in being global citizens in a positive way. It helps them realize how our lives and the purchases we make affect other countries," BEV TOEWS, UNESCO coordinator
