Oxfam shoppers buy over 11,000 bags of seeds to fight poverty

Scottish Oxfam shoppers are sowing the seeds of change this Christmas by buying from Oxfam Unwrapped. Already, with 3 shopping days left to Christmas sales of bags of seeds through Scottish Oxfam shops has exceeded 11,000, with many more purchased online. Shops have reported that Unwrapped has proved a huge hit in the run up to Christmas and sales of seeds have proved particularly popular.

This will mean that thousands of people in developing countries will get a chance to grow more, eat more and sell any surplus crops. People like, Enestina Orellana from Honduras who lives in a community where Oxfam is working. Oxfam and local partners have been helping people plant and harvest family vegetable gardens. The vegetables grown in the gardens will give families ongoing food security.

Five bags of seeds cost only £10 with 14 bags, a bargain at £28. Other items that have been big sellers are presents relating to education for people in developing countries and gifts that promote safe clean water. With prices of Oxfam Unwrapped starting at £5 to build a bit of a classroom and going up to £1700 to build the whole thing there is something within everyone's price range.

Tom Richardson, Operations Manager for Oxfam Shops in Scotland said, "I urge anyone with any 'last minute' gifts to buy to consider Oxfam Unwrapped and choose something that will make a difference for years to come. Just pop down to your local Oxfam shop in the next few days and take your pick of our funusual gift ideas."

Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland added, "Oxfam Unwrapped has been embraced by people in Scotland since day one, not only because it makes Christmas shopping easier but because it is a gift that makes a difference. All the Unwrapped gifts have been identified by people in some of the world's poorest communities as something that will really make a change to their lives. Presents like the bags of seeds will mean that people can grow more, eat more and hopefully sell any surplus crops to help improve their lives."

ENDS