Frequently asked questions

Most popular FAQs

• Can I donate items like clothing and blankets to help people in emergencies?

  Clothes and blankets are among the many items we can sell in our shops here to raise funds, but Oxfam does not send clothes and blankets overseas, however good their condition. This is because customs regulations, fumigation of second-hand items, transport and communications make the process of exporting second hand items very complicated, time-consuming and expensive.

  It is much easier to buy these items (with the money our supporters donate) in the countries where they are needed. It reduces the cost to Oxfam, helps stimulate local markets and economies, and we can be sure that the goods that we source are appropriate - both for the local environment and the local culture.

  There are many local initiatives in poor countries where women knit or make clothes, and Oxfam tries to support them by buying their products and distributing them through its programmes. This ensures women can learn new skills, earn an income and support their families, buy crops, send their children to school, and get the healthcare they need.

  That's why making a cash donation is one of the most effective ways to support our emergency work.

• Can I choose to donate money to a specific project, country or item?

  Yes. You can donate to a specific project. We have a wide variety to choose from - just browse by country and category to select a project tackling the issues closest to your heart. 

  You can also buy specific poverty-busting items and activities through the Oxfam Unwrapped virtual gift catalogue.

• How do I update my personal details?

   You can use our online forms to update your email address and update your address details.

• What events does Oxfam do?

  Browse our fundraising events section to see what's on and to find something to suit you.

• How can I volunteer for Oxfam?

  We've got hundreds of volunteer vacancies advertised online. Once you have submitted your application, we will contact you with details of the selection process. 

  If you would like to volunteer for one of Oxfam's events, you can find out more on the events volunteering pages.

  If you are interested in volunteering in a shop, call into your nearest shop for further information. If there is not a position that suits you, you can submit a general application by email (although we cannot guarantee that we will be able to find a suitable post).

• How can I get updates on Oxfam's work?

  You can sign up to receive free email updates, with regular news of our work and what you can do to support it.

  For further information or to sign up to receive updates by post, please give us a call on 0300 200 1300 or fill out our online enquiry form.

• How does Oxfam set prices? You get your stock donated for free, so why are you charging £10 and more for some items?

  We do not set prices centrally. Oxfam is very lucky to receive so many good quality donations from the public and we believe the best way to thank our donors for their generosity is to get the best price we can for their donation (which in turn raises as much money as possible for Oxfam's work).

  Based on this principle, each individual shop team creates their own price list, using their judgement to decide what prices and products will best suit customers in their location.

• How can I work for Oxfam?

  You can find all the latest vacancies and jobs information in our Working at Oxfam section.

• I have raised some money for Oxfam. Where should I send the cheque?

  Thank you so much for raising money for Oxfam, we really appreciate your support! Please send us a cheque made payable to 'Oxfam GB' to:

  Oxfam House
  John Smith Drive
  Cowley
  Oxford
  OX4 2JY

  It would be great if you could also let us know how you raised the money (and be sure to include your name and address so that we can send you a thank you letter!)

• How much money does Oxfam spend on admin?

  You can find all the answers in our inspiring interactive guide to how we spend your money.

• I need some information for my homework/thesis/dissertation – can you help?

  Each year, we receive thousands of requests for assistance from school children and students. Unfortunately, we can't assist with specific questions, arrange interviews, answer questionnaires or arrange visits to our projects.

• What's Oxfam got to do with Fairtrade?

  Oxfam was one of the pioneers of Fairtrade more than 40 years ago and has been involved in its successful growth in the UK ever since. In 1991, Oxfam helped to found Cafédirect, which is now the UK's fourth-largest roast and ground coffee brand. In 1992 we co-founded the Fairtrade Foundation (with five other organisations), which licenses the use of the FAIRTRADE Mark in the UK. We continue to work closely with both of these organisations.

  Very comprehensive FAQs around Fairtrade can be found on the Fairtrade Foundation website.

• Why does Oxfam spend money on fundraising?

  We spend money on fundraising for the sole purpose of raising more money. For every £1 that we spend on fundraising we aim to raise £5.

  Find out how we spend your money

• Where can I buy a goat from Oxfam?

  You can buy a goat - and a huge range of other virtual gifts - through Oxfam Unwrapped where you can  place an order online or request a paper copy of the catalogue. You can also phone 0870 410 5030 or purchase a selection of Oxfam Unwrapped gift vouchers at your local Oxfam shop. 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!

• Where can I find Oxfam publications?

  Please visit our Policy & Practice website to access Oxfam's extensive range of policy papers, briefings, research and publications.

• What position does Oxfam have on the occupation of the Palestinian territories ?

  Oxfam believes that all people in the Middle East region should be free from violence, coercion, and deprivation.

  Progress towards peace will require an inclusive process engaging all political actors and relevant stakeholders, including civil society, refugees, and women, in efforts to resolve the final status issues that have been at the heart of the conflict for decades. This is vital to secure a just and durable resolution to the conflict, in accordance with international law.

  All Palestinian factions need to intensify their dialogue to pave the way for a reunified Palestinian government able to effectively provide for the needs of its civilian population.

  Oxfam advocates for Palestinian and Israeli leaders, the leaders of all neighbouring states and the international community, to make every effort to meet their obligations and commitments under previous agreements.

  Download Oxfam's position on the occupation of the Palestinian territories in full (PDF 57KB)