The Gap. Ralph Lauren. Banana Republic. Nike. These popular brands are sported by many of Fairfield’s students. What do all of these companies have in common? They use sweatshops to manufacture their clothing.
In response to the conditions of exploited workers from around the world, the Students for Social Justice Club is holding its second annual Social Justice Bazaar. The event will showcase clothing from companies whose products are not only sweat-shop free, but also support fair-labor.
The bazaar will be held in the Oak Room from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 23.
Fair-labor provides minimum wage, overtime pay, record keeping and child labor standards for full-time and part-time workers. It also establishes a fair partnership between the United States and merchants in the markets of developing countries.
“We wanted to give socially responsible businesses a forum to represent themselves in the Fairfield community in a fun way,” said Kevin Donohue ’07, the club president.
Admission to the fashion show will be free to encourage attendance and to raise awareness about these alternative businesses.
Also taking place is the club’s Jamz for Justice to raise money towards the Save Darfur Coalition.
There will be live entertainment featuring bands Diamond J and the Rough, and Monitor and the Merrimac.
Kim Guadalupe ’09, a member of the club, is looking forward to this upcoming event and what it can teach fellow students.
“I hope that students are aware that there are events going on outside of Fairfield, but there are things we can do here,” she said.
The Jamz for Justice will take place in the Gonzaga auditorium at 8p.m. on Friday, March 23. Tickets are on sale at Jazzman’s for $5 and will be $8 at the door.
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