Miscellaneous
Still can't find what you want? Try here.
I need some information for my homework / thesis / dissertation – can you help?
How can I buy a goat from Oxfam?
Please can you send me a Fair Trade catalogue?
How does Oxfam spend its money? Does a lot go on administration?
There are lots of charities all doing the same thing – why doesn’t Oxfam work with them?
I’m trying to find out about another charity – can you give me advice?
I need some information for my homework / thesis / dissertation – can you help?
Unfortunately we receive literally thousands of requests each year from school children and students wishing for assistance, we are not able to assist with specific questions. We are also unable to arrange interviews, answer questionnaires or arrange visits to our projects.
If you have a homework question, check out Oxfam Education for loads of great ideas and information. There is also plenty of information for older pupils on this site.
How can I buy a goat from Oxfam?
With Oxfam Unwrapped every gift that you buy will make a real difference to the life of someone in a developing country.
All you have to do is visit the website where you can place an order online or request a paper copy of the catalogue: www.oxfamunwrapped.com. Alternatively, just phone: 0870 410 5030.
You can also pick up a catalogue and/or purchase a selection of Oxfam Unwrapped gift vouchers at an Oxfam shop. You can find your nearest Oxfam shop online.
Every present you choose is actually received by someone in a developnig country and we'll send you a voucher that explains the gift you selected, together with your choice of greetings card.
Thank you very much for your support in helping overcome poverty and suffering. Happy shopping!
Please can you send me a Fair Trade catalogue?
Oxfam is no longer producing a Fair Trade catalogue. However you can still buy Fair Trade goods from our shops and online. You might also like to contact the following organisations, that are selling Fair Trade goods through their catalogues:
- Traidcraft: tel 0191 491 0591
- Tearcraft: tel 0845 355 8355
- Peopletree tel 0207 808 7060
How does Oxfam spend its money? Does a lot go on administration?
Like most organisations, we can only work effectively if we spend a proportion of our income on running costs. These costs include computers to enable Oxfam staff in offices around the world to communicate with each other quickly, accountants to ensure that money is accounted for correctly, transport costs to move equipment in emergencies, and resources for responding to supporters’ enquiries.
Oxfam is accountable both to those who support it and to those whom it seeks to benefit by its efforts. This obliges us to keep costs at a reasonable level in proportion to grants made for relief, development, and education and campaigning work. For more information on how Oxfam spends the money it receives, read our Annual Review.
There are lots of charities all doing the same thing – why doesn’t Oxfam work with them?
We do work in co-operation with other charities and international agencies whenever it is appropriate, and these include Save the Children Fund, Médecins Sans Frontières and Shelter. Moreover, one of the things our field staff always look at before beginning a new programme is whether there are other agencies working in the same area, and whether what we are planning to do will complement or duplicate the work they are doing.
However, it is not our normal practice to channel donations through other international non-governmental agencies but to work directly with local organisations in developing countries. We have found that this is usually the most effective way of working.
I’m trying to find out about another charity – can you give me advice?
We aren't in a position to offer advice, information or judgement about other charities. If you are unsure about another charity's activities you can search the Charity Commission website for further information or call them on 0870 333 0123.
Why does Oxfam spend money on fundraising?
We spend money on fundraising for the sole purpose of raising more money – it is like an investment, and ensures that we have enough money to meet our existing commitments, and to expand our work with people living in poverty. Oxfam fundraisers have to work to tight budgets and to prove that new fundraising activities are successful before investing money in them. For example, when we first considered advertising on TV, we tested the effectiveness of adverts in cheaper daytime slots on regional TV stations.
Not found what you're looking for?
Not found what you're looking for? Please contact us by phone: 0300 200 1300 or email: enquiries@oxfam.org.uk
