Public urged to ‘banish bursting wardrobes’ by donating unwanted items to Oxfam shops

“Set yourself free from stuff and help our shops fight poverty,” says charity

Wednesday May 17th, 2017

Oxfam Ireland is launching a donation drive to encourage the public to banish bursting wardrobes, clear out those cupboards and take back the toyboxes – by donating to their local Oxfam shop.

Michael McIlwaine, Oxfam Ireland’s Head of Retail, said: “Set yourself free from stuff, get your space back and help in the fight against poverty, by clearing out those wardrobes and cupboards that have been crying out for your attention – and then donate the unwanted clutter to your local Oxfam shop.

“The clothes that don’t fit, the teapot too many, or the DVD double-up – you don’t have to live with it. It's satisfying to unburden yourself of the clutter other people are looking for and will love.

“It is a great solution for everyone. Not only does it liberate precious floor and storage space in our homes it also raises money for people in desperate circumstances across the world. Just grab a bag and bring your unwanted stuff into your local Oxfam shop – cutting out the clutter feels good, but ending poverty feels even better.”

“There are so many ways your unwanted items could be given a second life in Oxfam’s fight against poverty – which is why we urgently need your donations.

“An average bag of your pre-loved donated stuff – like clothes, books, music, DVDs and homewares – can raise enough money to help two vulnerable families buy desperately needed food in an emergency. Or buy five buckets specially designed to keep water clean and disease-free. A jumper worth €16/£13 could provide 50 bars of soap for 50 Syrian refugees, preventing the spread of disease,” added Mr McIlwaine.

Donations to the charity’s shops will raise vital funds and enable Oxfam to continue its life-saving work in humanitarian crises, including responding to the hunger crisis in South Sudan, north-eastern Nigeria, Somalia and war-torn Yemen. About 30 million people across these four countries are in desperate need of food to survive with famine already declared in South Sudan. Oxfam is currently providing food, clean water, sanitation and other essentials to people in need.

Oxfam shops are appealing for donations of clothing and shoes; books, toys and games; CDs, vinyl and DVDs; homewares; pictures and collectables; bags, accessories and jewellery, rugs, linen and curtains. A number of Oxfam Ireland shops can also take: furniture; wedding dresses and accessories; cameras and mobile phones; stamps and coins.

Oxfam’s stores are also looking for additional enthusiastic people eager to volunteer in the shops. If you feel you can help fight poverty by volunteering, or have any questions about donating stock, please contact the manager of your local Oxfam shop, or (01) 672 7662 (ROI) or 028 90 230 220 (NI). Find your nearest Oxfam Ireland shop on www.oxfamireland.org/shops.

ENDS

CONTACT:

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Alice Dawson on 00353 (0) 83 198 1869 / alice.dawson@oxfamireland.org

NORTHERN IRELAND: Phillip Graham on 0044 (0) 7841 102535 / phillip.graham@oxfamireland.org