Wine with a good cause
An estimated 1.2 million children are trafficked or sold into slavery each year – making up around one child every 27 seconds, according to Unicef.
A North Canterbury wine label’s name was inspired by this ‘‘overwhelming’’ statistic. 27 Seconds is donating all of its profits to help survivors of slavery.
All profits, around $10, from every sale of 27 Seconds wine varietals will go directly to NonGovernment Organisation (NGO) Hagar International to support survivors of trafficking or slavery from Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan.
‘‘Why not drink a wine which has a good cause behind it?’’ 27 Seconds director Alanna Chapman said.
Christchurch-based winemakers Pete and Alanna Chapman wanted to make a difference with their business and decided to create a fundraiser wine for Hagar, Alanna’s employer.
Alanna began working for Hagar New Zealand’s fundraising arm three years ago.
‘‘Working at Hagar you hear lots of those very sad stories that break your heart,’’ she said.
The 2016 Global Slavery Index estimated 45.8 million people were subject to some form of modern slavery in 167 countries around the world today.
‘‘Slavery is still such a huge issue worldwide. If we can use this label to fund Hagar or grassroots projects that’s really a dream come true.’’
The first varietal was bottled in October and the label will officially launch next week.
Chief executive Don Lord said Hagar New Zealand supports the international NGO’s projects overseas, working directly with survivors of trafficking for sex and labour, abuse or slavery.
‘‘The money can really help change someone’s life in the countries of our operation: Cambodia, Vietnam and Afghanistan,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s a very generous idea and it’s going to significantly help a number of people we work with. It will really make a difference,’’ he said.
Pete said 27 Seconds wines were a product of their generous comrades in the wine industry.
‘‘I approached many people through the supply chain and it’s just been heart warming and overwhelming how people have jumped on board and really helped us off the ground,’’ he said.