Press Room > Oxfam Ireland Press Release
January 3rd 2005
OXFAM IRELAND SHOPS FLOODED WITH DONATIONS
Oxfam shops have been inundated with donations on an unprecedented scale, so much so that they have had little time actually to sell anything. Some shops have reported having difficulty in keeping up with the sheer volume of money being handed in.
"We did not think we would ever see a bigger response than we got during the 1984 Ethiopia Famine Appeal, but the Asia Earthquake Floods Appeal has surpassed even that." said Trevor Anderson, Oxfam Ireland retail manager.
"People are actually queuing up to give their cash." "We have received money from young and old - pensioners giving us all of their week's pension; children giving us their pocket money; and many people donating the money they received at Christmas to spend in the sales." said Anderson. "The biggest single donation we received was a cheque for $10,000. "
"The donations of stock for sale have also increased considerably, with many people handing in their Christmas presents for Oxfam to sell. We are most grateful for these donations as they will help Oxfam provide a continuing flow of resources to help restore people's livelihoods in the coming months.
"In the three days, Wednesday 29 to Friday 31 December, Oxfam shops have received a total of €300,000 (£200,000).
"Donations continue to flood in, so we believe this figure will probably double by the end of the week." said Anderson.
€170,000 (£113,000) in ROI & €130,000 (£87,000) in NI
All the shop staff and volunteers are so very grateful for the public's kindness, generosity, and patience.
OXFAM INTERNATIONAL WORLDWIDE DONATIONS CURRENTLY STAND AT OVER 24 MILLION EURO
500,000 FROM OXFAM IRELAND (FIGURES GOING UP ALL THE TIME via our shops, website and call centres)
Oxfam Ireland's Asia Earthquake Floods appeal : you can donate online here or lo call 1890 60 60 65 (ROI) & 0845 303 0337 (NI) or visit any Oxfam Ireland Shop.
Further information from Oxfam International website here