giving back

If you’re shopping for a minimalist or someone who already has everything, a gift that supports a good cause on their behalf is a win-win. (And it’s tax deductible.) OXFAM UNWRAPPED When Oxfam first introduced the idea of buying someone a goat for Christmas back in 2004, eyebrows were raised. Since then, millions of dollars worth of goats, chickens, bees, water kits, manure… you name it, have been raised for people living in poverty the world over. Looking for an alternative to a bottle of plonk for your clients? You can now get corporate goats complete with your company logo (on the card, that is). unwrapped.oxfam.org.au. CANCER COUNCIL AUSTRALIA All proceeds from gifts go towards Cancer Council’s work across cancer research, patient support services and education programs. Among a whole heap of suitably summery gifts are the now legendary Ugly Xmas Rashies, a spoof on the traditional ‘aunty knit’, made of high-quality UPF50+ fabric. Kangaroos or cockatoos – take your pick. cancercouncilshop.org.au; uglyxmasrashie.com.au. UNICEF’S INSPIRED GIFTS Unicef offers a range of Inspired Gifts to send overseas, including vaccines, emergency relief packs, first aid kits, school bags, mosquito nets and baby milk kits. You also get to personalise a card that can be posted or emailed to the recipient, detailing what you’ve bought on their behalf. unicef.org.au/give-a- gift THE KMART WISHING TREE APPEAL Australia’s largest and longest running Christmas gift appeal, this initiative – in conjunction with the Salvation Army and Mission Australia – has distributed more than 8 million gifts to those in need since it started in 1987. Simply buy and wrap a present and put it under the tree, writing on the tag the age group and gender of who you think might like to receive it. kmart.com.au/wishingtree.