An unexpected Christmas card

The festive season has come around again, and it's at this time of year that many of us spend some time writing cards to friends we don't get to see as often as we'd like to.

It's always nice to receive a few back too. So here's another to print and pin up on the mantle piece - a 'Season's Greetings' message from International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander, which he passed onto us, so we could pass it onto you.

It's great that Mr Alexander has "sincere thanks" for all of your hard work. Clearly, he wants to receive even more emails and calls to end poverty from Oxfam supporters next year - we're sure you won't disappoint.

He also acknowledges that in recent years there are "more children getting good educations, better healthcare, growing democracy" which is all great stuff, and something that campaigners everywhere should be proud of - the hard work is paying off, but as he notes that, "much remains to be done".

The campaigns team at Oxfam are really proud of what we have achieved with you this year in the fight against poverty and can't wait to work together with you again in 2009.

Read the message below, or download the full version here.

Dear Oxfam GB supporters,

I'd like to send this short note of sincere thanks for the hard work you have done over the past year. I have huge admiration for people who have turned compassion for the billions of children, women and men who live in abject poverty in developing countries, into practical support for changing those lives. There has been immense progress over recent years - more children getting good educations, better health care growing democracy. But as I have seen first hand during my travels, so much remains to be done.

We'll all feel the impact of the global economic downturn during 2009, but nobody more acutely than those already living on the edge. Those for whom $1 a day must feed their family, pay school fess, buy essential medicines.

I'm proud of the UK's leadership on international development and our continued determination to fight poverty at home and abroad.

I'm also proud to be in partnership with Oxfam GB in the fight against world poverty.

Seasonal greetings and best wishes for 2009.

Douglas Alexander
Department for International Development (DFID)