Ricky Gervais swapped the big screen for the cash register when he visited the Oxford Oxfam shop to volunteer behind the counter. His visit marks the inclusion of a special range of Flanimal gifts in the Oxfam Unwrapped gift catalogue this year. Ricky celebrated by selling a selection of his Oxfam Unwrapped Flanimal gifts to a life-sized Flanimal character.
As Ricky Gervais said when he came to the shop:
“Everyone thought Flanimals were useless – I did. But this year they’re helping Oxfam change the world. So thank you for helping these little guys make a difference.”
Alongside the more traditional Oxfam Unwrapped gifts such as goats and seeds, the special Flanimal gifts help to raise money for more general areas of Oxfam’s work – many of which are harder to fund.
Oxfam’s Paul Vanags said:
“We are really excited to be adding the Flanimals gifts to the Oxfam Unwrapped gift range this year. Whether you buy one of the fantastic Flanimals, or a more familiar gift such as feeding a family, safe water or a goat, these gifts really do make a massive difference to people’s lives around the world.”
Gervais added:
“There are five Flanimal gifts to choose from and the money goes to different things. It might improve sanitation – give someone clean water. It might give people a voice if they’re oppressed. It might help general humanitarian work… or it might go towards the prevention of HIV and AIDS. So for a few quid your auntie gets a present – everyone’s happy. Go on. Buy something for someone”
Oxfam Unwrapped is the largest range of charity gifts on the market, and this year marks its fifth birthday. Since its launch in 2004 it has raised more than £50 million, and provided funds for projects in more than 60 countries.
-Ends-
For more details, film and audio footage of Ricky Gervais in the Oxfam shop and to arrange interviews with an Oxfam spokesperson : contact Rose Marsh 01865 472375 / 07789 075522 rmarsh@oxfam.org.uk
About Oxfam Unwrapped:
Oxfam Unwrapped was launched in October 2004, is the largest range of virtual charity gifts on the market, and offers more than 65 gifts. Since launch it has:
• Raised more than £50m
• Funded projects in more than 60 countries
• Sold more than 200,000 goats (one of our most popular gifts)
• Sold over 35,000 toilets
• Raised more than £1m for teacher training
Find out more at: www.oxfamunwrapped.com. Oxfam Unwrapped gifts are available in Oxfam’s 750 shops, via mail order through the Oxfam Unwrapped catalogue, at www.oxfamunwrapped.com or by calling 0300 200 1252.
Oxfam Unwrapped gifts are used in Oxfam’s programme work in communities living in poverty around the world. The purchaser receives a card to pass on to the recipient of the gift who can then go online to learn about the big difference their gift has made.
Tags: Oxfam Unwrapped
