This Christmas marks 10 years of Australians buying goats, chickens and even cow manure for developing communities around the world through the Oxfam Unwrapped charity gift program.
More than one million Oxfam Unwrapped gifts have been purchased since the program began in 2005, raising over $40 million for Oxfam’s work.
“Looking back at the last 10 years of the Unwrapped program, the impact these gifts and donations have had on the lives of families living in poverty is astounding,” says Oxfam spokesperson Jez Hunghanfoo.
“More than 450,000 Unwrapped animals have been purchased over the years, proving to be the most popular gift choice, as well as countless litres of water for schools in South Africa, seeds to grow food in Sri Lanka and even training for farmers in Timor-Leste.”
Hunghanfoo says Australians have embraced the program and enjoy giving the quirky gifts.
“We believe Australians have shown such great support for Unwrapped because it really appeals to our national sense of humour and fun,” he says. “The silliness of receiving something as unusual as a goat for Christmas generally gets a good laugh.”
Oxfam is encouraging all Australians to continue to shop for a good cause and make a real difference this Christmas by buying one of the many gifts on offer.
“Both giving and receiving a gift which benefits someone living with so little makes people feel really good at a time when consumerism is at its peak. And it’s definitely more interesting than the usual stocking fillers.
“We’re encouraging everyone to give an Oxfam Unwrapped gift this year and help us make a real difference in communities both here and overseas.”
