Help those in poverty by volunteering for Oxfam

OXFAM Omagh is appealing for kind and caring volunteers to help them fight against world poverty.

Each volunteer shift at the charity shop could raise enough money to give two people clean drinking water in Ethiopia, or provide one woman in Bangladesh with access to a safe bathing cubicle – or train six farmers in innovative farming techniques in Ghana so they can deal with unpredictable weather.

Even a pledge of just four hours of your time per week can help to raise vital funds for children and adults most in-need.

Each Oxfam shop volunteer is given on-the-job training, and the chance to learn new skills, develop existing talents, and take on roles of responsibility.

The range of tasks includes pricing donations, sorting stock, using the till, dressing the windows, and customer service.

‘Heart and soul’

Describing volunteers as the ‘heart and soul of Oxfam’, Ian McMahon, Oxfam Omagh manager, has encouraged people of all ages to get involved.

“Oxfam is proud and so grateful for what our dedicated Omagh shop volunteers have contributed to the cause,” he said.

“While each volunteer is different and contributions vary, what they all have in common is they are amazing, generous people who make the world a fairer, kinder place.

“Without our team of amazing volunteers our shop could not stay open. We really rely on them, and appreciate their contribution hugely.

“All volunteers joining us are assured of an interesting, worthwhile experience, and genuine appreciation of their support.

“Volunteering is a great way to gain new skills, meet new people, and give something back to your community and beyond.”

Volunteers play a vital role in Oxfam’s work to tackle the root causes of poverty, while helping to support long-term life-saving and life-changing projects in more than 90 countries
worldwide.

• If you feel you can help by volunteering, drop into Omagh Oxfam at 46 Market Street, BT78 1EH; phone 02882245269; or email: omagh@oxfam.org.