National Close the Gap Day will be held on Thursday 22nd March 2012, and Oxfam Australia is asking for your help to put in place a genuine partnership between Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people. The campaign towards achieving Indigenous health equality by 2030 still has a long way to go, so we still need to send a message to the government that they need to keep their promises to keep this issue at the top of their agenda.

Since it’s launch five years ago, the Close the Gap campaign remains one of our nation’s greatest challenges. Though there has been some improvement, there is still a 10-17 year life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

You can join the cause by hosting an event with your friends or work colleagues and join thousands of other Australians to send a message to political leaders to maintain their focus on closing the gap.

So why not help Oxfam Australia make Close the Gap 2012 the biggest so far, and make the government see that a long term plan is required for this health crisis. Simply click on the link below to register your interest, and join thousands of other Australian’s who want to ‘Close The Gap’.

> > Click here to register for Close The Gap

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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, everywhere I look around…

Well not quite, but the ‘day of love’ is only just around the corner, so why not show that special someone in your life that you care about more than chocolates and roses with a unique virtual gift from Oxfam Unwrapped?

Yes chocolates taste nice, yet so does the satisfaction of ordering a charity gift that is not only a unique present for the recipient, but also helps out the less fortunate in the world. By giving a virtual present via Oxfam Unwrapped, you will be helping families across the globe to a better life by providing much needed funds to help them back on their feet.

To mark the season of goodwill to all wife’s and husband’s, Oxfam Australia has released a selection of Valentine’s themed cards to accompany their virtual gifts. There’s a whole host to choose from, and offer the male species a chance to show off their caring side! The limited edition cards allow people to give gifts which will provide poor families with a source of income to help escape the cycle of poverty.

Oxfam Australia Fundraising Manager, Leigh Steward, said -

In past years, Australians have spent over $800 million dollars on gifts on Valentine’s Day – an Oxfam Unwrapped gift is one that you can be sure will not go to waste. Around 79 per cent of Oxfam Unwrapped customers are female, so buying an Oxfam Valentine’s Card is a great way for men to reverse that trend. Being sensitive to the needs of others is a feature people love in their partners and there’s no better way to show that than with an Oxfam Unwrapped Valentine’s card that also gives to poor communities.

These special edition cards will be available up until February 14th 2012, so if you’re looking for something a little different this year, simply click on the link below to order you’re special Valentine’s treat. It’s better than a heart shaped bucket!

> > Click here to order with Oxfam Unwrapped

"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."

New Year’s Eve for most people is a time for drinks and merriment with friend and loved ones, but for Tom Denniss, it was something completely different! 31st December 2011 signaled the start of the first leg of his a 29,000km run around the world in aid of Oxfam Australia…

the equivalent of 700 marathons in 700 days!

Tom’s amazing journey will see him pass through every continent of the globe, (except Antarctica of course, that would just be mental!) and if he manages to finish he will enter the Guinness Book of Record’s for circumnavigating the world on foot. He will also be trying to raise an incredible $100,000 for Oxfam Australia, and we are right behind him.

Just the two years of running a marathon a day then!

To make a donation to Tom’s superhuman effort, simply click on the link below to help try and break the $100,000 barrier. It’s going to take some doing, but if Tom manages to finish this arduous journey, I think I can safely say it’s the most amazing achievement I’ve ever heard of…

> > Click here to make a donation

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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 Australia are voicing their concern for the world’s newest nation, as South Sudan continues to struggle with it’s major refugee crisis. It’s now six months since their independence, yet tens of thousands of people have had to flee the Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan regions due to violence, with another 60,000 people now affected through more fighting in the South Sudan state of Jonglei.

With more than 55,000 refugees arriving in South Sudan in recent months, more people are expected to arrive requiring food and shelter, which are already in short supply. Oxfam charity officials are working hard on the front line to offer clean water, sanitation and food, but with the conflict worsening, a major crisis is on the cards.

Oxfam’s Regional Director, Fran Equiza, said -

It is six months since South Sudan’s independence and there is much we should be celebrating. But the growing crisis along the border threatens to derail any progress. South Sudan is one of the poorest and least developed nations in the world, and the influx of refugees is placing enormous strain on already scarce resources.

Due to the troubles, local agriculture has been restricted, with limited aid and market supplies so low that famine levels could soon be reached. Oxfam Australia is calling for all parties to immediately cease hostilities and to allow aid to reach the people most in need before it’s too late. With more refugees expected to enter South Sudan, this could become a full blown humanitarian crisis, sooner rather than later.

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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 Australia is creating a ‘flash mob’ in Forrest Chase under the big green sculpture at Perth’s CBD for the Global Day of Action. Taking place on Saturday 3rd December 2011 at 12.00pm, Oxfam is asking their supporters to pop down if they’re in the area and show their support surrounding issues on climate change. The event will feature Zumba dancers, carnival drummers and will be big, bright and loud!

With UN leaders holding climate talks in South Africa, now is a great time for the people of the world to stand up and be counted, particularly the Australian government, who need to ensure that -

• The global Green Climate Fund is up and running
• Poor countries avoid the worst impacts of climate change
• Keep the Kyoto Protocol alive

Changing climate around the world is causing disruptions in rainfall patterns, severe droughts and flooding, which in turn is having a huge impact on  millions of poor people in developing countries. This UN meeting will see the world’s most powerful leaders decide the fate of the planet. As the world’s highest emitter per capita, it should be Australia’s job to lead by example.

So if you are in the Perth area on Saturday 3rd December 2011, why not come down and make your voice heard with thousands of other Oxfam supporters, and let the world leaders know that we want action, and we want it now.

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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 Australia were thrilled as two local lads completed a record breaking quad bike journey in aid of the charity. Australians Jamie Kenyon and Kristopher Davant covered nearly 60,000km during their arduous 14 month long journey. Started in Turkey, the intrepid travellers crossed an amazing 38 countries, making them the world record holders for the longest journey on quad bikes ever.

They finished their journey on Saturday 22nd October 2011 when they crossed Sydney Harbour Bridge surrounded by a convoy of motorcycles. The boys hope to raise an astounding $100,000 to support Oxfam Australia’s work in Southern Africa, which the boys saw first-hand during their journey across the continent.

Oxfam Australia Executive Director, Andrew Hewett, said -

The Quad Squad are incredibly inspirational young Australians and Oxfam is honoured to be associated with their remarkable achievement through their fundraising support for our work. Fourteen months, 57,000km on the road and a world record for the longest journey on quad bikes, while facing extraordinary personal challenges, is truly admirable.

A third member of the team sadly died in an accident on the trip, making the guys determination and courage to complete the journey even more remarkable. Valerio De Simoni was involved in a crash in Malawi, yet the boys decided to carry on in their friend’s honour.

A convoy of up to 1000 motorcyclists were at Sydney Harbour Bridge to celebrate their homecoming, where they were met by a representative from Guinness World Records will present them with their certificate. Massive congratulations to the guys on completing such a memorable journey through difficult circumstances.

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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 Australia is asking for your help as millions of people in East Timor face an uncertain future due to the continued conflict and drought. With food prices soaring, now is a great time to dig deep and help these poor people in their hour of need.

Simply click on the link at the bottom of this post to make a donation to the food crisis in East Timor. Your kindness will help Oxfam charity officials provide food, clean water and medicine to those that need it the most. The target figure to be raised is $4million, and with almost $2.5million already in the bank, there’s not too far to go.

This is how your money is spent -

• $ 85 – Provides 10 hygiene for families
• $160 – Supply 4 families with vital food packs
• $219 – Install 2 tap stands to provide essential water

As you can see, it’s not much to ask for, but the end results could be life saving. Please do give generously if you can, and help the people of East Timor during this time of true hardship.

> > Click here to make a donation

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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."

With World Food Day just around the corner, Oxfam Australia is asking for your support in response to the Horn of Africa food crisis. On Sunday 16th October 2011 you can help make a difference to the lives of millions who are currently facing their worst drought in 60 years. With food supplies desperately low, why not show your support for the Horn of Africa this World Food Day.

There are many ways to help raise funds for this worthwhile cause. You could go for a meal at one of the 32 restaurants that have signed up across Australia, who will be taking donations on the day. You could host your own meal for friends and family and ask for donations to be made. You could even ask your local restaurant to sign up to the scheme.

Head chef at Sydney’s Red Lantern and author of The Urban Coo, Mark Jensen, said -

I’m joining Oxfam and asking you to ‘Shout the Horn’ on Sunday 16 October 16, by sharing a meal or dining out at a participating restaurant and making a donation to help Oxfam respond to this devastating food crisis.

Restaurants across Australia are signing up every day to join this amazing cause, simply click on the link below to find your nearest participating eatery. With your help Oxfam Australia will be able to provide water, food, medicine and basic sanitation to more than 3.5 million people who are suffering due to this killer drought.

> > Click here to find supporting restaurants

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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 Australia will be registering teams from Monday 3rd October 2011 for next years Melbourne Trailwalker Challenge, in what promises to be their biggest event ever! The 2012 event will celebrate 10 years of the Trailwalker Challenge, which has raised over $17million over the last decade from Melbourne teams alone.

Back in 2003 some 257 teams took part, raising just over $500,000, yet 2011 saw 770 entries raising $3million! It really is going from strength to strength each year, would you and your friends like to take part in the 2012 challenge?

The event will take place from Wheelers Hill to Wesburn on 20-22nd April 2012. Each team must commit a minimum of $1000 to take part in this challenge that will really push you to your limits, whilst raising funds for an amazing cause. To peruse the new Melbourne 2012 Trailwalker website, simply click on the link below to find out more information on next year’s 10th Anniversary Trailwalker Challenge.

Have you got what it takes to be involved?

> > Click here for Trailwalker 2012 website

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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."

Don’t forget the Sydney Trailwalker kicks off tomorrow, Friday 26th August 2011, with so far over a whopping $2,750,000 has been donated to Oxfam Australia! So far 550 teams have entered to take on this gruelling challenge to fight against poverty, with all teams leaving from Hawkesbury to Sydney Harbour, then onto the bushland of Northern Sydney.

All the teams of 4 must trek across 100km with 48 hours, which will be quite a feat! The event started in 1981 and has become a global phenomenon, with 15 events now being held in 12 countries across the globe. If you’re around Sydney this weekend, why not go and cheer on the contestants as the begin their journey. After all, with 100km to cover in 48 hours, they’re gonna need it!

Help Support Oxfam Australia at the Fair Trade Store

You can help raise funds for Oxfam Australia with a Fair Trade Gift. Items start at just $1, and there’s loads to choose from. They are the perfect present for a loved one, and ensure that the producers are given a fair price for their goods and not exploited.

> > Click here to purchase from Oxfam Fair Trade Store

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."