tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland/77 2009-11-05T15:29:59Z Movable Type 3.33 tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3302 2009-11-05T14:58:03Z 2009-11-05T15:29:59Z

Eileen Ahmed Moosa, the Envoy for Science and Technology of the Maldives Government, called on Scots to attend The Wave, Scotland's biggest ever demonstration on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Sat 5th Dec. Mr Moosa appealed to Scots to come out on the streets of Glasgow on December 5 and send a strong message on climate to world leaders meeting at UN climate talks in Copenhagen. Last month, the Maldives Government held a meeting underwater to highlight the threat of climate change to their low-lying islands. In a week that saw parts of Scotland flooded due to extreme weather, Mr Moosa reinforced that message in Scotland, asking Scots to do their bit by attending The Wave. Mr Moosa said: "I call on Scots to attend The Wave on December 5 and show their support for action on climate change. Climate change is happening right now, both in the Maldives and here in Scotland, and it threatens the rights and security of everyone in the world. I also urge world leaders meeting at the climate talks in Copenhagen to share Scotland's ambition on climate. A strong deal at Copenhagen is necessary to save lives. We must act now before it's too late." Mike Robinson, Chair of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, said: "We want people in Scotland to attend The Wave on December 5 and send a clear message to Gordon Brown and other world leaders meeting in Copenhagen that we must act now on climate change. The importance of these talks in Copenhagen cannot be over-emphasised. They are the best chance we have to get the world's greenhouse gas emissions under control and prevent dangerous climate change. As Scotland has the strongest climate legislation in the world, The Wave will send a strong message from Scots that we want other countries to share our ambition." The Wave is a family-friendly climate change rally through the streets of Glasgow on December 5, ahead of a meeting of world leaders at the UN climate talks in Copenhagen on Dec 7. The march will be followed by a family-fun event in Kelvingrove Park. It is organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, which represents over 60 organisations and 2 million people across the country, the largest civil society coalition since Make Poverty History in 2005. See www.the-wave.org.uk/scotland. There will also be Waves in London and other cities across the world.]]> Ahmed Moosa, the Envoy for Science and Technology of the Maldives Government, called on Scots to attend The Wave, Scotland's biggest ever demonstration on climate change, which takes place in Glasgow on Sat 5th Dec.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3296 2009-10-27T19:21:50Z 2009-10-27T20:55:27Z

Eileen Scots are being urged to send a clear message to world leaders by joining Scotland's largest-ever climate change rally, The Wave, in Glasgow on 5th December ahead of a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen. The Wave will see leading celebrities join thousands of Scots to call on Heads of State from rich countries to share Scotland's climate change ambition (Scotland has the world's strongest climate change legislation), protect the poorest, and act fair and fast to address the problem. The family-friendly rally will culminate with music, entertainment and speeches in Glasgow's Kelvingrove Park. The special climate event, organised by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) - the largest civil society coalition since Make Poverty History in 2005 - will be one of many around the world, including London, taking place immediately ahead of crucial UN climate change negotiations where world leaders must agree a global solution to the problem of climate change. Mike Robinson, chair of SCCS, said; "We want world leaders to feel a huge wave of public support to take the urgent action that is needed to address the problems of climate change. By joining The Wave the people of Scotland can unite with ordinary citizens around the globe in calling on world leaders to avert dangerous climate change. The forthcoming UN negotiations in Copenhagen are a major opportunity for our political leaders to secure a safe and sustainable future for us all. The Wave is our chance to let them know the public want a meaningful and just solution to the climate challenges we face". Head of Glasgow City Council Steven Purcell, said; "Glasgow City Council is delighted to be supporting The Wave and would encourage everyone in Glasgow and beyond to join us for a fantastic day out on 5th December. The Scottish Parliament led the way by unanimously passing the Climate Change Act with commitments to cut Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions by 42 per cent by 2020. Now it is the people's turn to ask the world leaders gathering in Copenhagen in December to match Scotland's ambition". Stop Climate Chaos Scotland (SCCS) is a diverse and growing alliance with over 60 Scottish members representing more than two million supporters, ranging from environment and international development groups to faith organisations, trade unions, student societies, care providers and many more (see www.stopclimatechaos.org/scotland). UN Copenhagen Climate Change Summit: world leaders will agree a new international climate deal that will come into force when the first phase of the Kyoto treaty expires in 2012.]]> Scots are being urged to send a clear message to world leaders by joining Scotland's largest-ever climate change rally, The Wave, in Glasgow on 5th December ahead of a crucial UN climate summit in Copenhagen. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3289 2009-10-11T22:10:44Z 2009-10-11T22:37:10Z

Eileen In the lead up to the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover (24th & 25th Oct), Oxjam volunteers are doing a variety of different music fundraising events. On Saturday Oct 3rd, the band Maple Leaves wrapped up warm and took to Glasgow's Buchanan Street to busk. Despite the gale force winds and heavy showers the trio remained in good spirits. Armed only with a guitar, a tambourine and woolly hats the trio braved the weather and continued playing. Their selection of songs included some of their own material and also some covers from artists ranging from The Monkees to Travis. A combination of their wonderful smiles and summery folk-pop tunes enticed generous passersby to donate their spare change. In just 2 hours the talented trio managed to raise just over £40 for Oxfam. Maple Leaves are just one of over 100 acts set to play the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover at the end of October. Other acts include Glasgow favourites Zoey Van Goey, The Low Miffs and Nacional. The weekend event promises to provide a fantastic selection of music for under £10 with all proceeds going to Oxfam. Tickets are currently available on www.wegottickets.com with prices starting at £6 for early birds and £8 following this promotional offer. Greame Thomson( Maple Leaves) said, "Not sure how much of our singing was lost in the wind but we enjoyed it. Oxfam is one of the few reasons we'd happily face the Glasgow gales and a mass of shoppers with a guitar and a multicoloured tambourine. We're really looking forward to playing the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover". ]]> In the lead up to the Oxjam Glasgow Takeover (24th & 25th Oct), Oxjam volunteers are doing a variety of different music fundraising events. On Saturday Oct 3rd, the band Maple Leaves wrapped up warm and took to Glasgow's Buchanan Street to busk.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3288 2009-10-09T09:19:45Z 2009-10-09T10:40:02Z

Eileen Scots donated over £100,000 to the DEC Emergency Appeal for Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam within 24 hours of the first appeal film being broadcast on Tuesday the 6th. Scottish celebrities and aid agencies have praised donations, but are urging the public to continue to be generous so that essential supplies can reach the people who need it most. The call comes as a result of the devastation that has blighted the lives of millions of people in East Asia following a series of natural disasters. Comedian, Frankie Boyle said, ''The news from East Asia is shocking - a series of disasters have left millions of people homeless and without food, water or vital services. Thousands have been killed or injured. Aid agencies in Scotland are working together to help the people who need it the most. I know that Scots always help others out in tough times and will give what they can to the DEC Appeal''. River City star, Carmen Pieraccini added, "People in Scotland have been very generous and I would ask them to continue give what they can to the DEC Appeal. Millions of people in Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam have been affected by earthquakes and typhoons that have hit the region. People have seen everything that they have spent a lifetime building up being swept away in a matter of minutes. Aid agencies are working tirelessly to support people in the region but they need the continued help of the people in Scotland to scale up their work". Actor, Atta Yaqub, star of Ken Loach's Ae Fond Kiss, said, "Thousands of people affected by the massive disaster in Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam are in urgent need of clean water, food and shelter. Families have been made homeless overnight and children, adults and elderly people are living in desperate conditions. Imagine what it would be like if it was your family? We simply cannot forget the plight of these people and need to give whatever we can today to prevent this disaster from getting even bigger." Douglas Hamilton, Chair of the DEC Scotland, said, "I would like to thank everyone in Scotland who has donated to the appeal. Once again, the generosity of the Scottish public has been fantastic, especially considering the impact of the recession. This money will have a real effect on the ground. However, we need your continuing support to help even more individuals and families displaced, hurt or separated by these crises." To donate ring 0370 60 60 900, go to www.dec.org.uk or any Oxfam, Red Cross, Save the Children, Islamic Relief shop. Money raised will help people rebuild their lives. £10 will buy 4 mosquito nets to prevent disease £25 will buy a life-saving surgical kit or enough food for 4 families for a month £50 will provide one household pack with critical supplies £100 will pay for essential tarpaulin for 5 homeless families]]> Scottish celebrities and aid agencies have praised donations, but are urging the public to continue to be generous so that essential supplies can reach the people who need it most. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3285 2009-10-06T15:31:34Z 2009-10-16T15:25:53Z

Eileen Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900 or at www.dec.org.uk Scots Aid workers from DEC member agencies have arrived in East Asia to support the aid effort after a series of natural disasters devastated the region in quick succession over the last week. On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, affecting the wider region including Vietnam. An earthquake registering 7.6 on the Richter scale struck western Sumatra on the 30th followed by a significant aftershock the next day. Typhoon Parma struck a remote area of the Philippines on October 3 causing some further deaths and extensive damage. Shocked by the scale of the disaster, Sharon Reader from the Red Cross and David MacDonald from Oxfam have called on fellow Scots to dig deep. Tens of thousands of people have been killed or injured, with millions homeless and without food, water or vital services. Despite appalling conditions, aid agencies' responses are underway in Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, but remain seriously under funded. The Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) has launched radio and TV appeals for public funds to help those affected. Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900, at www.dec.org.uk or at any Oxfam, Red Cross or Save the Children shop. Sharon Reader, from Glasgow, who is in Padang with the Red Cross Logistics Emergency Response Unit, said: "When I arrived in Padang, it was pitch black. There was no electricity and the rains were pouring down, making the situation for the hundreds of thousands of people already homeless even more critical. "What we are concentrating on first is getting these people decent shelter and clean water. But with so many disasters hitting across the East Asia region in the past week, conditions are difficult and resources are stretched. "I'm appealing to Scottish people to donate to help us scale up our efforts, to reach those most in need and save and rebuild lives." David MacDonald, Oxfam's East Asia Regional Programme Manager, from Renfrew, is coordinating Oxfam's emergency response in Indonesia. Mr MacDonald said: "Oxfam and other DEC agencies are working quickly and efficiently under challenging circumstances. Providing clean water is our immediate priority. The local water supply was severely damaged by the earthquake, and the cost of water has doubled from 4,500 rupiahs before the earthquake, to 8,000 rupiahs per gallon now. "We have one water tanker that can deliver 5,000 litres of water already in action, and we are flying in three water purification plants that will provide enough clean water for more than 40,000 people. "But the needs are huge in Padang and they don't just include initial emergency supplies. We are also looking at how best we can help people to get back on their feet quickly - those affected need to be able to get on with rebuilding their lives from the devastation." Douglas Hamilton, Chair of the DEC Scotland, said: "The nature of these disasters vividly recalls the horrors of 2004 Tsunami. Millions have seen the world they know ripped apart around them. "DEC member agencies are already responding, despite the appalling conditions on the ground, but we urgently need the public's help to fund our work. "We recognise that these are difficult and uncertain times for many people in Scotland too, but we have no doubt that there will still be a strong desire to help." Work already underway by DEC members and their partners includes: In the Philippines: Oxfam is helping 25,000 of the worst affected families by providing water and non-food items like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes and water containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter. Red Cross volunteers have rescued over 400 people from rooftops and high walls following flooding and provided hot meals and blankets. Save the Children has already distributed hundreds of emergency kits to affected children-- which include essentials such as clothes and soap. Age Concern and Help the Aged has worked with partners to deliver food and clothing. In Indonesia: Hundreds of Indonesia Red Cross volunteers are involved in search and rescue operations, providing first aid, and meeting water and sanitation needs. Oxfam has sent an emergency response team to Padang, who are working with local partner organisations to distribute 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes. Oxfam is also sending in JCBs to help with the clean up operation, two emergency water treatment units, with the capacity to supply clean drinking water to 26,000 people per day, together with hundreds of rolls of plastic sheeting for emergency shelter for those made homeless by the earthquake. In Vietnam: Oxfam plans to reach over 40,000 affected people with cash for food, household items and water supplies. Anyone who wishes to stay up to date with developments in the affected countries, the emergency response and the fundraising efforts can follow the DEC on twitter at www.twitter.com/decappeal or become a fan of 'Disasters-Emergency-Committee-DEC' on Facebook. The DEC consists of: ActionAid, British Red Cross, CAFOD, CARE International UK, Christian Aid, Concern Worldwide, Help the Aged, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children, Tearfund, World Vision. ]]> Donations can be made by ringing 0370 60 60 900 or at www.dec.org.uk ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3284 2009-10-02T11:43:27Z 2009-10-06T15:56:39Z

Eileen Oxfam is sending an emergency response team to Padang, Indonesia, following the devastating earthquake on Sumatra. They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-positioned emergency stocks including 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes. A second quake hit another part of Sumatra Island. Oxfam is also sending in JCBs (high-powered tractors) to help with the clean up operation. Roads have been blocked by mudslides and need to be cleared so aid can be distributed. Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director said, "Homes, schools, bridges and roads have been destroyed. Many people spent last night sleeping in the rain the evening, so we are distributing tarpaulin for emergency shelter. The devastation is making communications extremely difficult so accurate estimates of casualties and damage are not yet available. But early indications suggest a death toll of more than 1,000 is not unlikely. We are calling for the support of the British public to help us save lives in this grave tragedy". Inel Rosnelli, working with Oxfam's partner PKBI in Padang, Indonesia, said, "Many people are still trapped in the buildings. Most of the victims seem to be in the centre of the town and everything is blocked. Traffic cannot move because of the destruction. The hospital reports that at least 60 people are dead but the real number is probably higher. We have water today but safe drinking water may run out soon, the problem may also be sanitation". The Indonesia earthquake came in the wake of Typhoon Ketsana, which swept through the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia earlier in the week causing severe flooding. Two million homes were inundated with floodwater in Manila and around 400,000 people have been made homeless. A super-typhoon is set to strike the Philippines again within 48 hours. Philippines: Oxfam is helping 25,000 of the worst affected families in the Philippines by providing water and non-food items like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes and water containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter at evacuation sites as part of its initial response. Vietnam: In Vietnam a team of aid experts has been sent to the storm-hit province of Kon Tum in central Vietnam. Oxfam plans to reach over 40,000 affected people with cash for food and household items, water supplies. Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director continued, "The flood waters have receded but the disaster is far from over in the Philippines and Vietnam. With water and power still out and mounds of rubbish rotting, disease outbreaks are a real concern. Our aid teams are working around the clock to ensure that people in the Philippines and Vietnam are kept from further harm". Samoa: Oxfam is also responding to the South Pacific tsunami, which hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on Tuesday. Waves flattened villages and swept cars and people out to sea. Teams have been dispatched to assess the situation. Oxfam has emergency supplies on hand for up to 10,000 people and expect to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster. ]]> Oxfam is sending an emergency response team to Padang, Indonesia, following the devastating earthquake on Sumatra. They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-positioned emergency stocks including 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3280 2009-09-19T09:33:32Z 2009-10-06T15:57:03Z

Eileen Model and photographer Helena Christensen returned to her Peruvian roots and her mother's native country to document the dramatic effects that climate change is having on people today. Following the trip, Helena said: "The impacts of the climate change are extremely severe in the areas we visited. The farmers we met and talked to are already living very hard lives, and are now being forced to adapt to salvage the effects of the rapidly changing climate. "One of the women I spoke to, Elizabeth Ayma, told me that because rainfalls are less frequent now and impossible to predict due to the climate changes, this is having a huge effect on crop production. As a result, her family has less food to eat and less produce to sell, resulting in her not being able to afford her children's school fees. The lack of nutritional vegetables also affects her family's health." Helena went to Peru with Oxfam on this journey and her photographs will be exhibited in New York, Washington, London and at the UN Conference on Climate Change in Copenhagen in December. A short film of the expedition, captured by award-winning Director Richard Bullock, will also be shown. Helena said: "We are at a critical tipping point. We need to put pressure on our governments in order for them to take the necessary, radical steps that are needed to lower CO2 emissions. There's no time left, it is absolutely imperative to act now. Hopefully the only benefit of this UN conference won't be just a boost to Danish tourism." Frank Boeren, Oxfam International's co-ordinator in Peru said, "Climate change in Peru is already devastating and we welcome Helena's commitment to show this to the rest of the world. Peru is on the frontline of climate change, along with other developing countries, which have played little part in causing the problem. "It is crucial that rich leaders do the right thing at Copenhagen so that we can begin to stop run away climate change and protect vulnerable people around the world". ]]> Model and photographer Helena Christensen has returned to her Peruvian roots, her mother's native country, to document the dramatic effects that climate change is having on people today. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3279 2009-09-19T08:41:34Z 2009-10-06T15:57:21Z

Eileen Annie Lennox, Rachel Stevens and other high-profile women have joined Oxfam's She Changes Lives campaign, which highlights the work of women who are making a massive difference to people's lives. Oxfam photographed celebrities including Annie Lennox, Mariella Frostrup and Zoe Ball, who have both chosen women they met in developing countries whose life-changing work really inspired them. Annie Lennox met Nonkululo, a HIV positive AIDS counsellor, in South Africa. Annie Lennox said: "Nonkululo is a true inspiration and is very empathic because she has a direct experience of living with the HIV virus. The whole region where she lives is very poor and remote and has been devastated by HIV. You read the statistics and they're brutally shocking but they don't really convey the human story. The scale of suffering is staggering." Zoe Ball was blown away by Eunice Victory, a HIV carer she met on an Oxfam trip to Malawi. Zoe said: "Eunice doesn't get paid but helps because there are lots of people in her village who are sick and suffering, and there is no one else to take care of them. It's awe inspiring how one woman is giving so much hope to a whole community." Most of the poorest people in the world are women. Oxfam's work finds that women are often working in the worst conditions for the lowest pay. More money and more opportunities for women would give them the chance to work their way out of poverty and provide for their children. Furthermore, 6 million more health workers and teachers are needed in the developing world. More investment in women could help fill that gap. Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis met Pastor Mary Crockett at the hospice she runs for HIV sufferers, in South Africa. Emily said: "Pastor Mary is an extraordinary woman. All her energy goes into running the hospice. It is relatively small, but absolutely crucial, in a part of the world where HIV is rife, but not properly addressed. It is this kind of project which sees people through extremely difficult times, where no other support is available". The work of these incredible women is changing the lives of some of the world's poorest people. But many people are still going without any medical treatment at all, because they cannot access or afford the vital healthcare they need. Every minute, a woman with no medical care dies in pregnancy or childbirth. Every hour, 300 people die of an AIDS-related illness. Every day, 4,000 children die of diarrhoea caused by dirty water. Next week, world leaders will meet at a high level event on healthcare, at the UN General Assembly in New York, and will have the chance to expand free healthcare in poor countries. Annie Lennox said: "Everyone should have the right to medical treatment, but many people in Africa simply cannot afford it. If governments commit to providing free healthcare it will make a huge impact on the continent and help to change millions of lives".]]> Annie Lennox, Rachel Stevens and other high-profile women have joined Oxfam's She Changes Lives campaign, which launches today to highlight the work of women who are making a massive difference to people's lives.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3278 2009-09-18T14:46:39Z 2009-10-06T15:57:48Z

Eileen Oxfam Scotland welcomes scottish budget plans for maintaining commitments on international development and highlighted that international aid is more essential than ever because of the effect the global economic crisis is having on the world's poorest countries and poorest communities. Commenting, Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "Oxfam work in over 70 countries around the world and we know from our everyday work on the ground in the world's poorest countries that the global recession is hitting the very poorest communities and families hardest. "Indeed the United Nations estimate that over 73 million more people will be trapped in poverty by the end of this year because of the crisis and the World Bank estimate that over 200,000 more infants could die. It is also estimated that the number of people facing chronic hunger will rise to one billion by the end of the year. That is why maintaining existing commitments to those most in need is essential. "We know that the Scottish public have always strongly supported work to eradicate global poverty, in good times as well as bad, and hope that the existing cross-party consensus on the importance of aid spending remains."]]> Oxfam Scotland welcomes scottish budget plans for maintaining commitments on international development and highlighted that international aid is more essential than ever because of the effect the global economic crisis is having on the world's poorest countries and poorest communities.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3276 2009-08-28T10:14:06Z 2009-10-06T15:58:12Z

Eileen Oxfam is calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to be a 'Lifesaver' and lead the way on climate change ahead of crucial United Nations climate talks, which take place in Copenhagen in 100 days. When world leaders meet in December in Copenhagen, they will agree a new international deal on climate to replace the Kyoto Protocol, the existing international treaty for the reduction of greenhouse gases. The importance of this deal in overcoming catastrophic climate change cannot be overestimated. Oxfam is currently helping poor countries cope with more natural disasters than ever before, including the worst floods in Africa for three decades and massive floods in Mexico and South Asia, which left 16 million people homeless. The total number of climate-related calamities has quadrupled in the last two decades, with floods, cyclones and storms threatening the livelihoods of over 250 million people a year. Oxfam is predicting that in six years' time, the number of people across the world affected by crises relating to climate change will rise by 54 per cent to 375 million people, threatening to overwhelm the humanitarian aid system. Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam Scotland, said: "With only 100 Days to Copenhagen, time is running out for the world's poor, who are the worst affected by but least responsible for climate change. Gordon Brown is a crucial player in shaping a fair and safe climate deal in Copenhagen that has the needs of the world's poorest at its heart. The Prime Minister has to act now to save lives." Oxfam wants world leaders to commit to a deal in Copenhagen that keeps global warming below 2 degrees centigrade and sees rich countries cut their emissions by 40 per cent by 2020 and earmark $150 billion a year to help poor countries fight and adapt to the impact of climate change. ]]> Oxfam is calling on Prime Minister Gordon Brown to be a 'Lifesaver' and lead the way on climate change ahead of crucial United Nations climate talks, which take place in Copenhagen in 100 days. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3275 2009-08-25T10:27:40Z 2009-10-06T16:04:22Z

Eileen The face of Scottish interior design officially launched the M&S Soft Furnishings Exchange in Scotland at the Oxfam store on Byres Road, Glasgow. John Amabile, of 60 Minute Makeover, unveiled the new initiative, which is designed to encourage people to recycle their soft furnishings, including cushions, curtains, throws and bed linen. Set to become the UK's biggest homeware recycling campaign, customers making a donation of M&S home textiles to Oxfam will receive an M&S voucher worth £5 (valid for one month), to use with their next purchase of £35 or more on homeware, clothing or beauty products at M&S. John said: "I'm delighted to be involved in such a worthy initiative. If you're desperate to spruce up your living room designer-style, this is an easy, stylish and thrifty way to transform your home at the same time as helping to raise money to tackle poverty around the world." Collin Hamilton Welsh, Store Manager, from M&S in Glasgow, said: "The Clothing Exchange with Oxfam has generated a lot of interest from M&S shoppers which I am sure will continue as the partnership progresses into soft furnishings. "We are confident shoppers in Glasgow will take advantage of the initiative and give generously to the charity throughout the campaign." Elaina Smith, store manager at the Oxfam Style Store on Byres Road, added: "Oxfam is always looking for good quality donations, so I am delighted that we are extending the partnership with Marks & Spencer to include soft furnishings. This scheme not only benefits people who donate to us but also will help in raising money to support Oxfam projects around the world." The M&S and Oxfam exchange scheme was created to both raise money for Oxfam's life-saving charity work as well as reduce the one million tonnes of textiles sent by the public to landfill each year. The M&S and Oxfam Soft Furnishings Exchange allows consumers to keep supporting charity even while times are tight as well as receiving savings on their shopping. The initiative builds on the success of the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange, which in its first year saved over 3 million garments from landfill. Half a million M&S customers saved a combined total of £2.5 million off their shopping bill and also raised an extra £2 million for Oxfam. ]]> The face of Scottish interior design officially launched the M&S Soft Furnishings Exchange in Scotland at the Oxfam store on Byres Road, Glasgow. ]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3274 2009-08-21T15:59:21Z 2009-08-25T12:14:59Z

Eileen A survey of book sales and donations at Oxfam's shops across the UK reveals that Scottish author Ian Rankin is the biggest seller of books at Oxfam shops. The survey reveals the biggest names in donated fiction in the first-ever secondhand high street bestseller chart. Whilst the Inspector Rebus creator sells the most books, Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown's books are the most donated. Ian Rankin is number three in donations of books to Oxfam shops. Oxfam's recent nationwide book festival, Bookfest, has seen donations of books to the charity shop network rise by 40 per cent so far, with book sales also dramatically increasing due to massive public response to the festival. The festival ran from 4 to 18 July, and featured more than 250 events nationwide - Click Here for more information. On being the Oxfam shop bestseller, Ian Rankin said: "It's always good for an author to know that their books are popular. With Oxfam, it's also heartening to realise that each book donated and bought is helping such a worthwhile organisation." John Connolly, Oxfam Bookshop Manager added, "It is great to see a Scottish author as the top of Oxfam's best seller list. Ian Rankin is very popular with Oxfam customers and it is nice to think that Inspector Rebus is helping Oxfam projects around the world due to his popularity with the reading public." The Oxfam shop bestseller list is: 1. Ian Rankin 2. Dan Brown 3. Bernard Cornwell 4. Stephanie Meyer 5. Terry Pratchett 6. Khaled Hosseini 7. Helen Fielding 8. Margaret Attwood 9. James Patterson 10. Jodi Picoult The most donated authors to Oxfam shops are: 1. Dan Brown 2. John Grisham 3. Ian Rankin 4. Danielle Steel 5. Helen Fielding 6. Stephen King 7. JK Rowling 8. Catherine Cookson 9. Patricia Cornwell 10. Mills & Boon ]]> A survey of book sales and donations at Oxfam's shops across the UK reveals that Scottish author Ian Rankin is the biggest seller of books at Oxfam shops.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3273 2009-08-21T15:43:51Z 2009-08-21T16:15:22Z

Eileen This week, children all over Scotland are going to back to school. I remember the year when my younger daughter was about to start Primary Four. She told me that she didn't need me to take her to school any more; she was old enough to go herself. After waving her off, I ran for the box of tissues. Fast-forward to earlier this year. I was in Zambia's Copperbelt visiting Oxfam's education programme, meeting local partners and civil society organisations that work to provide education to children and adults living in some of the most remote villages in Zambia. Although the Zambian Government has introduced free primary education, the challenges they face are immense. There are still very few state-registered schools in the Copperbelt, so concerned villagers have been helped to build their own. In the Mufulira District of the Copperbelt, Oxfam and its partners help resource these community-built schools, and offer training to the under-qualified teachers to improve their skills, as well as running literacy-clubs for adults. In Buyantanshi School, in Salumingu Village, there are two classrooms for more than 150 children, some of whom walk more than 10 kilometres every day along unmarked forest paths, others even crossing the border from the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the Village Chief showed me round the school, he was clearly proud of the coloured posters on the classroom walls, and he pointed out the sentences written in English on the blackboard. Yet the school has no desks or chairs and, after just a few minutes of sitting on the floor to write down my notes, I became very uncomfortable. There was nothing even to lean against - with no books or jotters, there is no need for cupboards. Some women told me that they come to help the teacher with the lessons and prepare food for the children in the middle of the day. One mother, Esnat Chibala, appealed to me saying they have no healthcare and their children need treatment for malaria, coughs, and sore eyes. Another woman, Elizabeth Mulenya, talked about how hard it is for children who have been orphaned by AIDS. One message that they had in common was they all want something better for their children - an education. In comparison to the education children in Scotland receive, what I saw in Zambia was hugely inadequate. But the fact remains 75 million children around the world get absolutely no formal education. That's why Oxfam is calling on rich countries to keep their promises so that no country with a credible plan will be unsupported in delivering education for all, and that poor countries channel money into their education budgets, so that it reaches people on the ground. Education is imperative in tackling poverty. A single year of primary school has the potential to increase the wages a person can earn in life by 5-15 per cent. For children who go on to secondary education, an individual wage can increase by 15-25 per cent. In sub-Saharan Africa, one in three children who start school never get the chance to complete basic primary education let alone progress to secondary school. It is no coincidence that the highest levels of poverty are found in this part of the world. As we went around the school, a small group of children walked into the grounds. Memory Mwansa, twelve years old, had brought her two sisters, Miriam and Given, and brother Edward to see their aunt Elizabeth. With both parents dead, Elizabeth is their closest relative, and they now call her 'mother'. Even so, it has taken them several hours to walk the many kilometres through the forests from their own village to visit Elizabeth. It's what children here in Zambia's Copperbelt have to do, every day, if they want to go to school. My daughter just had to cross one road - and she even had a Lollipop man to help her. ]]> This week, children all over Scotland are going to back to school. I remember the year when my younger daughter was about to start Primary Four. She told me that she didn't need me to take her to school any more; she was old enough to go herself. After waving her off, I ran for the box of tissues.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3271 2009-08-05T11:08:16Z 2009-08-05T11:14:56Z

Eileen Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth today made history by giving Royal Assent to the Scottish Climate Change Bill, the strongest piece of climate change legislation in the world. The world-leading Act sets vital international precedents and an example for other wealthy nations to follow ahead of the UN's climate change talks in Copenhagen in December, which will agree a replacement to the Kyoto Protocol. The new legislation enshrines in law Scotland's obligation to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050. Other rich countries need to adopt similar cuts to their emissions if catastrophic climate change is to be averted. Queen Elizabeth signed the historic Act during a visit to her estate in Balmoral in Scotland. The Climate Change (Scotland) Bill was unanimously voted through the Scottish Parliament on 24th June this year. Leading elements of the Scottish Act include: At least a 42% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 (based on 1990 levels); At least an 80% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (based on 1990 levels); Emissions from international aviation & shipping included from the start; Commitment to report annually on consumption-based emissions; Strong duty across the public sector to play a full part in tackling Scotland's greenhouse gas emissions. Mike Robinson, chair of the Stop Climate Chaos Scotland coalition, which includes Oxfam, Christian Aid, SCIAF, WWF, Friends of the Earth, as well faith organisations and trade unions, said: "It is now enshrined in law that Scotland will do its fair share to tackle the causes of climate change. The world-leading emissions reduction targets provide a vital lead to other wealthy nations ahead of the UN's climate talks in Copenhagen in December. Other rich countries must now follow Scotland's lead and match the commitment to cut their emissions. I hope they will sit up and take notice. "The scientific consensus is clear: unless developed nations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 42 per cent by 2020 and 80 per cent by 2050 the problem of dangerous climate change will become irreversible." Cardinal Keith O'Brien, Scotland's most senior Catholic clergyman and climate change campaigner said: "Scotland is setting a crucial example to the rich countries of the world in efforts to prevent the unnecessary suffering of millions of innocent people through ever-worsening climate change. The scientific consensus is clear; unless rich nations make early and deep cuts to their emissions, as Scotland has agreed to do, the situation will get much worse. "Wealthy countries have an unequivocal moral duty to reduce their own emissions and help developing countries who are already suffering the consequences of our profligate use of fossil fuels for economic gain. "Scotland has had the courage to set a vital international precedent with its Climate Change (Scotland) Act. Others must follow this lead now if we are to have a long, safe, and prosperous future for humanity on earth." Stewart Stevenson, Minister for Climate Change in the Scottish Government, said: "The Scottish Government recognises that climate change will have far reaching effects on Scotland's economy, its people and its environment and is determined to play its part in rising to this challenge. "The world-leading legislation introduces targets to reduce emissions by at least 80 per cent by 2050, and will drive new thinking, new solutions and new technologies putting Scotland at the forefront of building a sustainable low carbon economy." ]]> Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth today made history by giving Royal Assent to the Scottish Climate Change Bill, the strongest piece of climate change legislation in the world.]]> tag:www.oxfam.org.uk,2009:/applications/blogs/scotland//77.3267 2009-08-04T17:17:12Z 2009-08-04T17:33:50Z

Eileen Arctic Monkeys are set to record another music industry first when they release their new single, 'Crying Lightning', through Oxfam's network of 700 charity shops, with proceeds going to help the our lifesaving work around the world. The limited-edition 7", which is the first single from new album Humbug, features a cover of the Nick Cave classic 'Red Right Hand' as a B-side, and goes on sale in every one of Oxfam's 700 high street shops on Monday 17 August. The release marks the first time Oxfam shops have sold a new release single for 25 years. The 'Crying Lightning' 7" will cost £2.99, and each single will come with a download code allowing fans to get an MP3 version of the songs for free. More than 600 Oxfam shops across the country sell second-hand music - double the total number of independent record shops in the UK*. The charity sells around £6 million of music every year, enough to fund its entire programme in Indonesia for a year, buy 187,000 emergency shelters, or provide safe water for 8 million people. Domino and Arctic Monkeys are also calling on music fans to bring in any unwanted albums or singles to their local Oxfam shop when they pick up their copy of the single, to help Oxfam keep turning yesterday's hits into vital funds for years to come. Laurence Bell, founder of Domino, said, "Oxfam is a Great British institution and it's a delight to be working together on this project. There are about seven hundred Oxfam shops in the UK, many of them in high streets that once housed a record shop, so as well as raising some money for a great cause we are able to get vinyl back onto more of the nation's high streets, which feels good. "We encourage all customers to bring something of value to donate to the store when they come down to buy the new Arctic Monkeys single." David McCullough, Oxfam's director of Trading, said, "We were thrilled when we heard about the idea for the new Arctic Monkeys single and are delighted to be partnering with Domino on something that will be great for music fans, and help us raise money to fight poverty at the same time. "Oxfam shops have always been one of the best places on the high street to pick up a musical bargain or find a rare treasure, and this is a fantastic reason to pay your local shop a visit. " Domino, Oxfam and Arctic Monkeys will each have a dedicated microsite to allow fans to find their local shop stocking the single. These can be found at: www.oxfam.org.uk/arcticmonkeys www.dominorecordco.com www.arcticmonkeys.com Oxfam has an illustrious musical history spanning decades: Oxfam sells around 1.8 million CDs and records every year, all donated by the British public. The largest single donation was of 6,000 vinyl albums to an Oxfam shop in Devon in 2008. The charity's Oxjam festival has raised more than £1 million through 3,000 events featuring more than 36,000 musicians, including Jarvis Cocker, Fatboy Slim, and Hot Chip. Oxfam has been one of the lead charities at Glastonbury since 1993, raising £2.7 million through stewarding the festival and signing up more than 400,000 people in support of its campaigns at the festival. The charity has been involved with everything from Live8 to its own Make Trade Fair concerts, and has worked with everyone from Chris Martin and Michael Stipe to Noel Gallagher and Klaxons. Arctic Monkeys are Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders and Nick O Malley. The band has released two UK number 1 albums, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not and Favourite Worst Nightmare. Their forthcoming album Humbug goes on sale nationwide on 24 August, and the band headline the Reading and Leeds festivals on 28 and 29 August. There will also be a 10" release featuring B-sides 'Red Right Hand' and a new original song 'I Haven't Got My Strange'. A limited number of independent record shops will also stock the 7". ]]> Arctic Monkeys are set to record another music industry first when they release their new single, 'Crying Lightning', through Oxfam's network of 700 charity shops, with proceeds going to help the our lifesaving work around the world. ]]>