It’s that time of year again, when rampant consumerism drives rational people into a frenzy of buying and spending – even in a recession. But how many of the gifts that you give and receive are actually wanted?
This week we’re looking at the gift-giving season, how it impacts the environment and alternatives to the usual (and often unwanted) gifts we give and receive.
Transforming lives
Today we want to focus on gifts that people really do want – gifts that are desparately needed and can transform the lives of people less fortunate than us.
How many times have you opened a gift and thought “that’s great, I couldn’t live without that”? Come on, be honest! I’m not suggesting we should be miserly or ungrateful, just that much of what we give and get is frivilious and unnecessary.
Compare that to giving or receiving a gift that can truly transform lives; pull a family back from the brink of starvation, support a child on the path to a brighter future, save the life of a baby or help build a community.
Oxfam Unwrapped
Oxfam Unwrapped leads the way when it comes to gift-giving with a difference – gifts with real meaning and purpose, of genuine value – gifts that quite literally change lives.
Oxfam Unwrapped do a great line in goats, school books and desks, teacher training, training for health workers, business funding, bikes, trees, tools and seeds, and a whole lot of other stuff that really will make a difference to the lives of millions of people around the world.
And when you choose to give or receive a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped, or another charity gift scheme, you’re not only helping others, who’ll benefit from the gift, but you’re helping the environment by reducing waste.
To give or receive?
In reality, buying a gift from Oxfam Unwrapped is simply an inspired way of giving a donation which Oxfam then uses for various projects around the world. In return, you get a card and fridge magnet – and a warm fuzzy feeling for doing something worthwhile!
Of course, giving gifts like those from Oxfam Unwrapped is dependent on who you’re giving to. Your average 8 year-old is unlikely to thank you for a donation of a school desk to a child in Africa, on their behalf, but perhaps older family members and friends would appreciate it.
If giving gifts of a charitable nature isn’t appropriate for your family and friends you can, of course, choose to receive a gift yourself – after all, you’ve got everything you need and probably don’t want another pair of socks, box of chocs or more smelly stuff.
How much better it would be to ask your family and friends to buy something for you at Oxfam Unwrapped this Christmas!
5 comments… read them below or add yours now
Twitter: @GlobalPatriot
Oxfam Unwrapped is a great program, and what they’re doing count more now than ever before. Thanks for sharing this information.
@Global Patriot: You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment ;-)
A worthy cause and the best gift to give and receive at Christmas, one that actually does make a difference. We have been shopping at Oxfam Unwrapped for a few years. I think we’ve equipped half a school by now and own a small menagerie of animals! I’d like to say to anyone who might think it’s just a gesture, to read the information on the Oxfam wesite about where the money goes and how it helps to change lives.
I’ve told friends at uni about Oxfam Unwrapped and will use any money I get for xmas to buy something there. It’s so cool to help others get things they REALLY need. I think I’ve already got enough :)
@Janet Dawson: Welcome to Green Pepper and thanks for sharing your views. It’s great to hear about people who are doing it. Like you, we’ve been doing it for a few years and are happy knowing the difference those gifts have made.
@Katy: It’s good to know that you’re spreading the word! And that you’ll spend money you get for Christmas at Oxfam Unwrapped, where it really will make a difference ;-)