Oxfam Unwrapped lifts the lid on the need for loos on World Toilet Day

Oxfam Ireland Press Release
19 November 2007

This World Toilet Day (19 November 2007), Irish shoppers are being called to spend a penny - OK, a little bit more - on Oxfam Unwrapped's lovely loos this Christmas.

Shoppers looking for something for the loo-py loved ones in their lives are being urged to buy Oxfam Unwrapped toilets this Christmas so Oxfam can continue to improve sanitation and prevent disease in the communities it works with.

The toilets (€45) are among more than 60 innovative gifts in the Oxfam Unwrapped range that really make a difference to people’s lives around the world. These include a goat (€38), school books (€18), herb gardens (€27), and cooking stoves (€15). All of the gifts have been identified as needed by the communities where Oxfam works to fight poverty and suffering.

The provision of toilets is vital in Oxfam's emergency and long-term work to prevent disease. Oxfam Unwrapped has funded toilets in countries including Pakistan, and Uganda. In Darfur's Abu Shouk camp, Oxfam Unwrapped has been used to address the sanitation needs of more than 54,000 people.

Oxfam Ireland Unwrapped manager Peter Anderson said: "Oxfam Unwrapped isn't your bog-standard gift range. It's fun and novel and provides a talking point for friends and relatives receiving them - but the impact they have is far-reaching, improving the lives of untold numbers of people around the world."

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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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