How spending a little can go a long way with Oxfam

JESSICA FARRY HEADS TO OXFAM TO TAKE THE OXFAM SHOPPING CHALLENGE

IN 2016, according to a survey by Mediacon the average Irish shopper shelled out €493 on Christmas presents, while a separate survey conducted by Retail Ireland found that Irish households spend an average of €2,587 on Christmas shopping, this represented an increase of €26 on the average spend of Christmas 2015.

This is a lot of money. So this year, Oxfam want to prove that you can spend less on your Christmas shopping, while also helping people in need.

With €30 in my hand, and with the aim of picking up at least three Christmas presents for family and friends, I went to the Oxfam shop on Grattan Street.

“We’re confident that with our year-round range of clothes and books, plus our special Christmas range of products that you’ ll be able to buy 3-4 really good presents which you’ ll be happy to give someone this Christmas,” the words of Oxfam prior to the challenge.

Oxfam have a full range of Christmas gifts, with lots of them Fair Trade or made from recyclable materials.

People may think of Oxfam as offering only second-hand goods, they also boast a huge selection of brand new items such as jewellery, scarves and hats.

You can pick up your Christmas essentials such as Christmas cards, crackers, wrapping paper and more in the Oxfam shop - with the proceeds going to help others.

There is a huge selection of books, clothes, shoes and bric- a-brac - all in perfect condition.

You can help families directly by purchasing gifts such as goats, soap, care for a baby, and much more.

Upon my arrival at the Grattan Street store, I was greeted by volunteer Margaret McCaffrey. “We have a big selection of Christmas cards, crackers, wrapping paper and it’s all made from sustainable materials,” Margaret told me.

“We have a special range of Fair Trade items, and that’s all supporting Oxfam projects. A lot of them are handmade too,” she added.

Margaret continued: “There is also a lot of unused jewellery, scarves and more.”

Having volunteered at the shop for some time, Margaret says she would encourage people to come in and check out what can be purchased at Oxfam for Christmas, and indeed for Christmas gifts.

“I would encourage people to call in and have a look for themselves. We have loads of books, CDs, Christmas jumpers, Christmas decorations. We also have a lovely selection of classic books, and we have a deal on those,” she added.

Mary Flanagan says that working in the shop has allowed her to meet lots of different people.

“With volunteering you meet loads of different people, and make loads of friends.

“If you’re in here on different days you get to make new friends so it’s great,” she added.

Oxfam is a global movement of people who won’t live with the injustice of poverty. Together they save lives and rebuild communities when disaster strikes. Oxfam help people build better lives for themselves. We speak out on the big issues that keep people poor, like inequality and discrimination against women.

The money raised by Oxfam shops is used in three ways: emergency responses like the current hunger crisis, longterm development projects that lift people out of poverty, and campaigning that gives a voice to the vulnerable.

Oxfam works in more than 90 countries around the world.

Here’s how your money can impact the lives of other people:

· The sale of a T-shirt for €6 could pay for agricultural tools, such as a hoe or spade, allowing farmers in South Sudan to re-plant and harvest crops for much-needed food

· The sale of two books for €8 could help purify around 2,000 litres of water, making it safe to drink for South Sudanese families living in makeshift camps

· The sale of a dress for €9 could pay for a mosquito net to protect a family threatened by malaria, helping them to sleep safely and soundly at night

· The sale of a jacket for €15 could give a family in the Democratic Republic of Congo an eco-friendly efficient stove, designed to be hotter than traditional cooking methods while using only half the wood.

Oxfam Sligo’s Christmas range is available, and a whole range of new stock is now available, including designer wear.

For all the details check out oxfamireland.org.