Media advisory - World Vision expert available to talk about ethical chocolate for Valentine's Day

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Feb. 13, 2014 /CNW/ - With Valentine's Day just two days away, World Vision is alerting Canadian chocolate lovers that child slavery and trafficking is an ongoing problem in the cocoa industry. Our expert can talk about what last-minute chocolate shoppers can do to be ethical consumers this Valentine's Day and show even more love.

The risks for children who work on cacao plantations include:

• Injuries from machetes used to clear land and cut down cacao pods
• Exposure to chemicals, including pesticides
• Exhaustion from working long hours in intense heat
• Abuse from employers
• Poor nutrition and limited access to health care
• Jeopardized education

WHAT: Interviews about:

• How Canadians can shop ethically using World Vision's new Good Chocolate Guide
• The problem of children doing hazardous work in the cocoa industry
• How chocolate companies are responding to the issue
• What it means for a chocolate company to be "ethically certified"

WHO:  Cheryl Hotchkiss—World Vision's No Child For Sale awareness campaign manager and creator of the Good Chocolate Guide

WHEN:  February 13 & 14

RESOURCES
Photos
Video
Fact Sheet
Infographic
Chocolate Scorecard
Twitter hashtag: #GoodChocolate

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit our News Centre worldvision.ca

SOURCE: World Vision Canada

FOR INTERVIEWS CONTACT:
Britt Hamilton - cell: 416-419-1321, [email protected]