At some point in their lives 7 out of 10 people in New South Wales will experience or know someone who is experiencing a mental health problem.Helping to address this serious situation, Wesley Mission LifeForce is a national program that helps people understand suicide and provides them with practical strategies to help people who are at risk.

Suicide prevention workshops dispel some of the myths around suicide, and take participants on a journey down the road to suicide, allowing them to gain insight into how a suicidal person thinks and what the warning signs are. Participants also learn how to approach and engage the person, and who to refer them to for qualified help.

People who have attended LifeForce seminars and workshops include parents, teachers, social workers, psychologists, doctors, sports coaches, police, emergency workers, concerned friends, bar staff, and many others. Since 2002 LifeForce has trained more than 8,000 people through its suicide prevention workshops.

Rodney Cole from LifeForce said -

One of our key messages is ‘don’t wait’. If you see signs such as worrying behaviour change or mood swings, or detect feelings of hopelessness, then act. Put the invitation out there that you’ve got time to talk and use open-ended questions such as ‘so tell me about . . .?’ which require more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer. Too often people see depressed children or friends and think ‘it will pass’. It may well do, but can you afford to take that risk?”

LifeForce also helps to build the capacity of communities to prevent suicide, and holds memorial services for those grieving over the loss of a loved one.
Help Wesley Mission continue to offer these services by buying a Wesley Gift. Each one you buy will help the disadvantaged and vulnerable in our community. Furthermore, if you are buying it for a friend or loved one, they will receive a beautiful e-card to let them know that they have shared in helping the needy.

A Wesley Gift of $40 helps pay for a crisis phone counselling session. It can provide a sympathetic ear when there is no one else to talk to. Lifeline Sydney & Sutherland are there for people in desperate need of help, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Buy a gift today and help someone in need.

> > Click here to order a Wesley Gift today

> > Click here to join the Wesley Mission Facebook Group

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

The Oxfam Fair Trade Shop is have a massive ’stock take’ sale on a whole host of their interesting and innovative gift ideas when you order online before the end of June 2010. There’s absolutely loads of bargains to choose from no matter what your budget, with gift prices ranging from -

• $5 or below
• $10
• $15
• $20-40
• 20% Off

There’s rugs, candles, incense, games, ornaments, cushions, kitchenware and lots, lots more to choose from. All these items are at knock down prices, perfect if you are on the look out for a charity gift for a friend or loved one. Simply click on the link below to checkout the bargains, there’s sure to be something for everyone at the Oxfam Australia Fair Trade Gift Shop.

> > Click here for the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Australians now have a very quick and easy way to help poor people around the world whilst also reducing their tax bill. By giving a gift donation of $2 or more to an approved charity you can claim a tax deduction on the amount. There is no limit on the donation amount, though you obviously can’t use a large donation to create a tax loss!

All charitable donations must be received by the end of Australian tax year, Wednesday 30th June 2010, to be counted in this years tax return. Though if your donation means you receive any goods or services in return, then you can’t claim for the deduction. Be sure to keep an official receipt from your donation as proof, and make sure you do it by the end of this month. To ensure your money goes straight to the charity, donate to them via credit card directly through their website address for speedier processing.

Many who donate money to charity feel much better about giving some of their hard earned cash away to people who are in desperate need of it. By making a cash donation, not only will you be helping people across the globe to have a better life, but also giving yourself the piece of mind that you are making a difference. The tax deduction is the Australian governments way of saying thank you for your generosity.

> > Click here for Oxfam Australia Tax Appeal

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Looking to spoil your Mum this Mother’s Day but stuck for an exciting and innovative gift instead of the usual chocolates and flowers? Then why not pick up a unique gifts from the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop and surprise that special little lady! There’s absolutely loads of gifts to choose from, including -

• Oils & Candles
• Cushions & Lavender Pillows
• Dishes & Boxes
• Statues & Ormaments
• Jewellery & Scarves
• Bags & Wallets

Plus if you spend $60 or more on goodies before the end of Wednesday 28 April 2010, you can now receive free delivery. Simply add the coupon code -

TND1P1

at the online checkout prior to payment to take advantage of this fantastic offer (excludes wine and Unwrapped items). Simply click on the link below to check out all the latest excellent Mother’s Day charity gift ideas. You could pamper her with some essential oils, or get her all dressed up in some beautiful jewellery or a tasteful weave scarf. Not only will you be surprising your Mum with something a little different this year, but you’ll also be helping to raise funds for people around the world who deserve a break in life with Oxfam Australia.

> > Click here to order online with Oxfam Fair trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Oxfam Fair trade shop has just launched a brand new range of organic wines for you to sample. All produced in Australia, this awesome selection of red, white and rose organic wines will tantalise your tastbuds whilst also providing the fair trade stamp of approval.

• Wildstone Wines 2009 Sav/Blanc Sem (WA)
• Organic One 2008 Chardonnay  (NSW)
• Pig in the House 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon (NSW)
• Grancari Estate 2008 Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
• Rosnay 2009 Rose (NSW)
• Tamburlaine 2009 Rose (Hunter Valley/Orange)

The winemakers hope to broaden their market through Oxfam Australia with prospects of continuing employment in some 35 developing countries around the world. These great wines are available in a mixed dozen, a half mixed dozen and two 3 packs. All of our organic wines will be despatched during the week ending 8th March 2010.

> > Click here to order online at the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

This month Oxfam Fair Trade Shop will be expanding their online selection of toys and Indigenous range of products, plus a whole host of exciting teas and coffee. Theirs Fairtrade soccer and Aussie Rules footballs, plus a wide selection of more traditional games such as hand painted skittles, tic tac toe, and even wooden ducks!

With a great range of both indoor and outdoor games, there’s sure to be something for everyone at that the Fair Trade shop from Oxfam Australia. Not to mention the latest cookbooks and delicious new teas and coffees available. The Indigenous range includes local spices, sauces and hand crated gift boxes which in turn creat revenue for small farmers who need the business to survive.

Plus if you spend more than $120 you will receive free delivery (excluding wine and express post) by simply adding the coupon code

ZC41SU

At the online checkout when ordering. Fair Trade seeks greater equity in international trade to help sustainable development of its producers. By raising awareness globally and campaigning for change, Oxfam Fair Trade hope that if people are given the choice to be ethical consumers, they can and will choose to make a real difference to people’s lives.

> > Click here to shop online with Oxfam Fair Trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Love is in the air at the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop, and with Valentine’s Day just around the corner now is the perfect time to get ’saucy’! That’s right, for a limited time you can now pick up an Outback Spirit Giftset of super sauces with 20% off!

The Outback Spirit Giftset comes in a presentation pack and contains 6 sauces and dressings, including -

• Lemon Myrtle, Coconut and Chilli Sauce
• Lemon Myrtle Dressing
• Outback BBQ Sauce
• Kakadu Plum and Sweet Chilli Sauce
• Wild Lime, Ginger and Chilli Sauce
• Wild Lime Dressing

These delicious condiments and dressings contain the unique flavours of Australia alongside natural indigenous food ingredients that are sourced from the country in the traditional manner. Not only are all these sauces gluten
free, but the ingredients are harvested from remote wilderness regions and provide an important income stream for local farmers.

There is also a wide selection of Valentine’s gifts available from Oxfam Australia, so why not spoil that special someone in your life with something unique from the Fair Trade shop? Choose from, indigenous bangles, soaps, incense, and heart shaped candles. There really is something for everyone at the Oxfam Shop Trade Shop this Valentine’s Day.

> > Click here to shop online with Oxfam Fair Trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

The Oxfam Fair Trade Shop January Sale is coming to an end, with only two weeks left to pick up some absolute bargains! There is a huge selection of items to choose from, and with clearance prices starting at just $2, there’s sure to be something to tickle your fancy!

Choose from -

• Tea and Coffee
• Games
• Jewellery
• Candles
• Toys
• Diaries
• Scarves
• Kitchenwear
• Frames
• and lots more!

If you spend more than $120 (excludes wine and express post), then Oxfam will deliver your goodies absolutely free. Simply select your products and enter the coupon code -

HQLOYT

at the online checkout to redeem your free postage. Plus if you’re a forward thinker, there’s also 70% off all their Christmas decorations, so you can save yourself a bundle if you plan ahead, as the festive season seems to come round quicker every year!

The clock is ticking on these superb discounts, so if you see something you like, grab it while you can and help raise funds for people around the world who deserve a break in life with Oxfam Australia.

> > Click here to order online with the Oxfam Fair Trade shop

Other great charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

Oxfam Fair Trade Shop is having a huge January clearance sale of all their excellent ‘Gifts that give twice’. There’s a huge selection to choose from with prices starting at under $2, unbelievable! Choose from -

• Handpainted candles
• Games
• Tableclothes
• Mugs
• Sculptures
• Brooches
• And much, much more

There are more than 150 fabulous fairtrade items that have been specially discounted, but do hurry as there is a limited stock on each item. The sale will continue until the end of January 2010, but be sure to get your skates to ensure you have the best selection to choose from.

Oxfam Australia would like to wish all its customers a Happy New Year and take this opportunity to thank you all for shopping with them in 2009.

> > Click here to shop online with the Oxfam Fair Trade Shop

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."

WWF Adopt an animal scheme has just launched in Australia and is a fantastic gift for a loved one or friend. This is a great way to show a loved one that you care not only for them, but also for the world and it’s animals. All you need you need to do is pay a one off fee and you will not only be providing funds to help an endangered species survive in the wild, but you will also see your chosen recipient receive a -

• cute cuddly toy of the animal
• adoption certificate
• fantastic gift pack

There is a great selection of animals to adopt from the WWF, with all of your donations helping to stop poaching and protect the future of some of the world’s most endangered species. Due to deforestation, global warming and illegal trade, some of the world’s most beautiful animals are slowly becoming extinct, so why not -

• adopt a Tiger
• adopt a Turtle
• adopt a Panda
• adopt an Orangutan

These Adopt an Animal packages are a great charity gift for friends and family, especially children. Not only will you be giving them a fantastic cuddly toy and an interesting gift pack, but you will also be providing much needed funds to help stop endangered species from becoming extinct across the globe.

> > Click here to Adopt an Animal with WWF Australia

Other top charity gifts

"Please note, any prices mentioned in the Charity Gifts blog are correct at the time of posting. Please check the relevant website for the latest pricing information."