Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break.
If you can't find the answer to your question here, email us at fairtrade@oxfam.org.nz or contact the Coffee Break team on 0800 400 666.
When is Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break 2012?
Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break is held each year over Fair Trade Fortnight. The dates for 2012 are May 5 - 20.
How do I register to host a Coffee Break?
Sign up with our online registration form.
Where should I hold my Coffee Break?
Anywhere! The beauty of this event is its flexibility. Make your Coffee Break as simple or as creative as you like. You can invite your family and friends over for a Coffee Break at your home, have it at work or if it’s a nice day you could host it in the park. Popular venues include: the workplace; at home; coffee groups; book groups; local cafes; schools; sporting clubs or community groups.
How do I run a Coffee Break?
It's easy to organise a Coffee Break. Just decide on a venue and time of your choice. If a morning Coffee Break does not suit you, then get your friends/workmates together for a lunch or an afternoon Coffee Break. Whatever format suits you best! Then invite your guests over, enjoy a chat and Fairtrade goodies together, and then ask your guests to support Fairtrade and to make a donation towards Oxfam’s work.
How does Oxfam New Zealand assist me?
Once you’ve registered to host a Coffee Break, Oxfam will send you a host pack, filled with everything you’ll need to make your Coffee Break a success.
What does Oxfam New Zealand do with the money raised from Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break?
The funds raised from Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break help Oxfam New Zealand to continue our work in supporting struggling farmers in the developing world.
Find out more about Making a difference.
How else can I get involved if I can't host a Coffee Break?
If you aren't able to host your own Coffee Break, there are other ways that you can support Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break. You could encourage a friend, family member or work mate to host a Coffee Break, and then you can then attend as a guest. Or you could make a donation to Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break by completing the online donation form or calling
0800 400 666 and letting the team know that you would like to make a one-off donation to Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break.
Will decaf be available?
Unfortunately we won't be featuring decaf in our host packs this year. Hopefully others at your Coffee Break can enjoy the coffee we provide!
I'm not an expert on Fairtrade – how can I tell other people about it?
We have heaps of information in the About Fairtrade section of this website. There will also be Fairtrade leaflets included in your host pack for your guests to read and take away. You can also request a short DVD that you could play at your Coffee Break that will give your guests a great introduction to Fairtrade.
Spreading awareness and understanding of the benefits of Fairtrade is a vital part of Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break, so please do contact us on 0800 400 666 or at fairtrade@oxfam.org.nz if you would like more information on how to tell people about Fairtrade.
Do I have to fundraise?
Fundraising is an important part of Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break. By taking part, you and your guests will raise vital funds towards Oxfam's work helping people lift themselves out of poverty. Find out more about making a difference.
Furthermore, as a charity, we cannot afford to send out packs unless you can commit to fundraising. To make it easier to ask your friends or workmates to make a donation, we’ve designed the materials in your fundraising pack like the posters and donation box to do most of the asking for you.
What is Oxfam’s Biggest Chocolate Break?
Oxfam’s Biggest Chocolate Break is a sweet new addition to our main Fair Trade Fortnight event, Oxfam’s Biggest Coffee Break.
Chocolate Break is essentially the same event as Coffee Break except that Chocolate Break has been designed especially for schools. Chocolate Break aims to get kiwi kids up to play on the value of fairness and the difference that fair trade makes and we are working towards producing classroom resources including games and lesson plans.
Hosts still receive the same range of certified Fairtrade products for each event.
Can anyone hold a Chocolate Break?
No. Chocolate Breaks can only be held in schools, with students being the main contributors and participants in these events. For workplace, home, church, community group-based events please sign up to hold a Coffee Break.
Oxfam's Biggest Coffee Break is part of Fair Trade Fortnight 2012. Sign up online or call 0800 400 666.
