Oxfam Ireland want your pre-loved clothes, books, furniture and even wedding dresses

On Monday 17 May, Oxfam shops across the Island of Ireland will be open for business and their top priority is new volunteers and of course, your pre-loved donations. 

Caroline Reid, Communications Manager with Oxfam Ireland, said: “Today, we are calling on people to bag up their donations of pre-loved clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac as their local Oxfam shop will be accepting donations from Monday 17 May. We also have a number of specialised shops including Oxfam Books, Oxfam Furniture and Oxfam Bridal - so people can donate anything from a bookshelf to a wedding dress.

“The reality is, after more than two months of closure – your donations are needed more than ever. Our shops play a vital role in raising much-needed funds for our work globally – they are central to ensuring we can continue to protect and support some of the most vulnerable communities in the world.

“The loss of income during this period dealt a massive blow. However, we have amazing supporters right across Ireland who have helped us bounce back after each lockdown by volunteering, shopping and donating. 

"As our shop teams swing back into action in preparation for their long-awaited reopening, we have also launched an appeal right across Ireland for volunteers to join our retail teams.”

Volunteers play a vital role in Oxfam’s work globally, while also providing a solution to throwaway fashion by saving items from ending up in landfills here at home. By giving a little of their time and creativity, each one makes a huge difference in support of some of the most at-risk communities in the world, while helping our planet a little along the way. 

Reid continued: “I would encourage anyone interested in lending some time at our shops to make an application through our online portal - people can give as little or as much time as they like, and we provide full training. Beyond day-to-day retail duties there are a variety of activities that people can help with from visual merchandising (for anyone with a creative flare for designing window displays) to social media (crafting engaging posts for digital channels).

"We're really looking forward to seeing all of our staff and volunteers in store again, doing what they do best, and we're so excited to welcome our customers and donors back on the 17 May. 

“It is because of the commitment and enthusiasm of our staff, volunteers, and supporters that Oxfam Ireland can work towards building a fairer and more sustainable world for everyone.” 

Apply to volunteer with your local Oxfam shop here: www.oxfamireland.org/getinvolved/volunteer/apply 

Find a full list of Oxfam Ireland shops here: www.oxfamireland.org/shop/oxfam-shops 

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Contact 

Caroline Reid | caroline.reid@oxfam.org | 087 912 3165 

Notes to the Editor  

Safety measures Oxfam Ireland Shops will be taking:

• All shops have a suite of PPE: sneeze screens in front of the tills, social distancing measures and messaging throughout the shop and a sanitation station at the entrance. 
• Staff and volunteers will wear masks and they will have an infrared thermometer in each shop to ensure regular check-ups - as well plenty of handwashing - throughout the day. 
• We do expect a surge in donations and have put guidelines and processes in place to manage this eventuality.  
• As part of the overall ‘Covid Compliant Reopening Plan’ which focuses on the Health & Safety of our Staff, Volunteers, Customers and Donors we will be following the up-to-date government guidelines regarding the quarantining of donations 
• All shops have had a risk assessment carried out and all staff and volunteers will be taken through Covid-19 Compliant Health & Safety training before they start their shift.