Media Releases > Oxfam Ireland Press Release

Now shopping doesn't have to be all me, me, me...

1 June 2006

Ireland 's first and only online charity shopping centre will officially open its virtual doors to customers on June 1 st 2006.

CharityShop.ie was developed by UCD graduates Peter Bayly and John Chambers in an effort to harness the energy of Ireland 's savvy shoppers for the greater good of mankind.

Customers can shop with major online retailers including Amazon, Apple, Dell, ebookers, iTunes and Tesco. By starting their shopping with these retailers through CharityShop.ie, shoppers incur no extra cost, but can shop in the knowledge that commission from each and every sale is donated to the charity of their choice.

On the CharityShop homepage, shoppers simply click on the charity they wish to shop for, choose from one of the many retailers on the site and continue to shop as usual on the retailers own site.

Commissions are then directed by CharityShop to the customers specified Charity.

CharityShop is delighted to announce that Oxfam Ireland and UNICEF Ireland will be the first two charity partners to benefit from the initiative.

"Oxfam Ireland is delighted to be a part of this exciting and original initiative with CharityShop.ie. The money raised by shoppers will provide us with continuous and vital funding to help people in the developing world to build a better life for themselves" says Cora Moore, Corporate Fundraising Executive at Oxfam Ireland .

Anne Marie Foran, Fundraising Manager for UNICEF Ireland said "We are always looking for new and innovative ways, through which people can help support UNICEF Ireland's work for the world's poorest children. By doing your ordinary shopping online through CharityShop.ie, your support for example, can help UNICEF Ireland immunise a child for life against polio or help a child go to school or ensure safe water for an entire family. CharityShop.ie provides a quick and very easy way for consumers to support our work worldwide for children and we are very proud to be a part of this new venture."

Another source has said "Buying your way into heaven has never been so easy".

Any registered Irish Charity is eligible to apply for the service to help raise funds for their cause and can do so by contacting CharityShop through the website.

CharityShop.ie creates a win-win situation for customers, charities and retailers alike bringing them together in the market place for a greater good. The goal of the initiative is to create a new era of consumerism with a conscience.

For additional information, Contact: John Chambers, using the contact details above.

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