Practical Advice on How You Can Help End Modern Slavery this Christmas
Christmas is a time of joy, generosity, and gathering with loved ones. As we celebrate, it's worth pausing to reflect on the hidden costs of the products we buy and the traditions we uphold. Many of the items that bring us joy— have reports of modern slavery conditions in their supply chains.
As Christmas approaches, we encourage you to consider how small, informed decisions and collective action can contribute to meaningful change. Together, we can transform the way industries operate and ensure that the celebrations we enjoy do not come with slavery included in the price tag.
The Hidden Impacts of Christmas
Modern slavery isn’t a distant problem—it’s deeply embedded in the global supply chains that produce many of the items we enjoy during Christmas. From the chocolate in our stockings to the decorations on our trees, countless goods are made under slavery conditions.
Cocoa farming is one of the industries most affected by modern slavery practices, including the worst forms of child labour and forced labour. In Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, where most of the world’s cocoa is grown, farmers live in poverty due to government-controlled pricing systems that limit their income. To make ends meet, children are used for labour, sacrificing their education. This reliance on child labour perpetuates a cycle of hardship that is unacceptable—and one we’re committed to changing.
While consumerism contributes to demand, the root causes of exploitation lie in structural inequalities, unsustainable pricing systems, and unchecked pursuit of profits. By addressing these systemic issues and making intentional choices as consumers, we can help build a world where no worker is treated as expendable.
Be Slavery Free is tackling these challenges through advocacy, collaboration, and education. By working with businesses, influencing government policies, and providing tools like the Chocolate Scorecard, we aim to amplify the voices of those affected and empower others to take meaningful action.
Make Your Spending Count This Christmas
Small, thoughtful choices have the power to create a ripple effect, supporting workers and communities across the globe. By shifting the focus to meaningful actions, you can prioritise gifts or donations that align with your values. Choosing fewer, high-quality items or alternatives with lasting value can help challenge the unsustainable demand for mass-produced goods.
For example:
Give experiences like event tickets or memberships
Choose locally made or handmade gifts to support small businesses and reduce environmental impact
Match your Christmas spending from last year and donate the difference to Be Slavery Free’s Christmas Appeal
Your donations directly support systemic change, from advocating for better corporate practices to raising awareness about modern slavery. By giving with purpose, you can drive change: empower farmers to earn a living income so their kids can attend school instead of working on farms, help vulnerable people escape slavery-like conditions, and shape government policies that protect workers' rights.
The Power of Purposeful Giving
This Christmas, Australians are expected to spend more than ever, with budgets reaching an average of $468 on gifts and $406 on food and drink—an increase of $80 and $100 respectively from last year. As we prepare to celebrate, we encourage you to keep your Christmas budget for gifts, food and drinks the same as last year and donate the difference to support our work.
Your contribution directly fuels efforts to influence government policy, engage with businesses, and educate consumers about the realities of modern slavery. You can help ensure that the season of giving is also a season of change.
Together, We Can
Each step we take—whether it’s making an informed purchase or giving —moves us closer to dismantling the systems that enable modern slavery to persist. Progress takes time, but every action—big or small—makes a difference.
Let’s not only celebrate the joy of giving but also give back in ways that create lasting change. Share this blog with your friends and family, or post about your conscious choices on social media to inspire others to get involved. Together, we can ensure the spirit of Christmas is built on fairness, dignity, and hope for all.