Stars unite in campaign against Christmas tat!

Oxfam Ireland Press Release
8 November 2007

Photo © Oxfam Great Britain

Christmas presents, they're less "away in a manger" and more "away in a landfill"! Each year we buy thousands of presents that nobody wants and that empty our wallets without actually bringing much Christmas cheer to anyone.

Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren and singer Will Young are among the celebrities leading today's launch of Oxfam Unwrapped's (tongue in cheek) ad campaign to rid Christmas of the misery of disappointing presents and to improve the lives of people around the world.

The launch sparks the countdown to the screening of a first-of-its-kind spoof charity TV advertisement for Oxfam Unwrapped - the alternative gift range which provides fun and innovative Christmas presents that really make a difference.

With ethical gifting high on the agenda this Christmas, people can choose from a range of gifts from Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped, including a loo, condoms, a goat and school books, knowing that their gift will have a positive impact on people's lives rather than a gift that will be unused or thrown away.

Photo © Oxfam Great Britain

Helena Bonham Carter said: "Oxfam Unwrapped is a novel idea where you can buy friends and relatives presents that really make a difference to other people's lives. Why buy someone something they don't want or need ­ like a flapping, singing fish?

"The gifts are life-changing - that's serious - but Oxfam Unwrapped is fun too"

Since the Unwrapped launch in October 2004, gifts - such as goats, mosquito nets, protect women packs and herb and vegetable gardens - support Oxfam's ongoing work. They are carefully monitored to ensure the communities get the long-term benefits.

Following on from this success, the Campaign for Decent Christmas Presents - made possible by all the celebrities giving their time for free - aims to encourage people to buy a record number of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts.

'The Office' actor, Martin Freeman said: "I've been a long time supporter of Oxfam's and the campaign to buy decent Christmas presents is a great idea - the more Oxfam Unwrapped presents given, the less forced smiles on Christmas day."

Oxfam Ireland Chief Executive, Dr Brian Scott said: "Oxfam Unwrapped has proven itself as the ultimate way of giving unusual presents that are thoughtful, fun but far-reaching at the same time. With ethical buying at the top of people's agenda this Christmas, we are sure that people will see this as a way of investing in great presents while supporting work to provide long-term solutions to poverty around the world."

To view the television ad please click here

Where can I find out more and buy Oxfam Unwrapped gifts? Where can I find a catalogue?

Visit www.oxfamirelandunwrapped.com, pop into any Oxfam Ireland shop, Lo-call 0800 0 30 40 55 (NI) 1850 30 40 55 (ROI) or text 'Gift' to 51500 (texts cost standard operator rate). You can place your order online, in store, by phone, text or post.

What do I get?

Each gift comes with a gift card detailing what you have bought, an Oxfam Ireland fridge magnet featuring a beautiful photographic representation of the gift and its own individual web address which gives the person you have bought it for an exclusive insight into the real difference their gift has made.

How does Oxfam spend my money?

Every gift in the catalogue is a real item that Oxfam uses in its work and has been identified as essential by the communities Oxfam works with around the world. All the gifts in the catalogue are sourced locally from the communities Oxfam works with, putting money back into their economy. So you can do all your feel-great shopping in one place and help Oxfam Ireland to overcome poverty, suffering and injustice at the same time.

About Oxfam: Oxfam Ireland is an all-island organisation with head offices in Belfast and Dublin and 45 shops north and south. Oxfam Ireland is one of 13 Oxfam's who make up Oxfam International, a global movement of people, who work together to overcome poverty, suffering and injustice.

For further information, images or interviews please contact:

Oxfam Ireland is an independent member of Oxfam International- a group of thirteen non-governmental agencies dedicated to fighting poverty and related injustice around the world.

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