Meet some of the women we’ve helped in Indonesia
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Meet Mary, giving as part of an ongoing legacy
Mary has spent most of her working life helping others. As head of a home and family counselling service, she provided years of vital care and support to people experiencing difficult and stressful times.
Having finally taken up retirement, Mary now fully enjoys her time playing golf, catching up with family and friends, and taking up new interests. But helping others remains an important part of who she is.
“Oxfam is one of the main charities I support, and I do so because I feel that I want to reach out to the rest of the world who aren’t as fortunate as I am to live in a privileged country. Oxfam’s values and beliefs fit well with my own.
“Oxfam takes a practical approach and involves local people. That’s what real community development is all about.”
“I am confident my support, both now and in the future, will really change the lives of people living in poverty.”
Mary has travelled to many places around the world but it was a visit to rural Samoa that really opened her eyes to the way many people in poverty live and they lack basic resources we can take for granted.
“I know that by giving a hand up, many people can thrive. That’s why I really like the work Oxfam does with Rural Training Centres in Vanuatu. It meets the needs of everyone in the community – providing water and sanitation facilities, a place for young people to gain an education, and a place for communities to shelter during times of emergencies.”
Since retiring, Mary has had to keep a closer eye on how much she spends. “Every time I read a story about a community Oxfam has helped, I want to donate,” says Mary. Because this isn’t always practical, Mary decided to leave a gift to Oxfam in her Will. Her family, friends and loved ones have also been included in her Will, but she’s recognised that it’s important for her to include a cause she feels passionate about.
“I am confident that my support, both now, and in the future, will really change the lives of people living in poverty.”
Meet Diana, a supporter since the 70s
Auckland grandma Diana Rutherford says she wakes up every single day and thinks how lucky she is with her life here in New Zealand. She loves her garden, she has enough food to eat, she can afford to keep her house nice and warm and as a devoted mum and grandma she has plenty to keep her busy.
“I don’t do bored,” says Diana. “There’s just too much to do.”
Now a retired primary and special education teacher, Diana knows a thing or two about making a positive and lasting difference to people’s lives.
“Empowering people is the most important thing you can do. I support Oxfam because I know they believe in the same.”
“I’ve been an Oxfam supporter since the 1970s. I’ve always believed in finding the light in all people and helping them to be the best they can be. I support Oxfam because I love the way it’s about offering a hand up; giving people the education, skills and support to improve their situation.
“I’ve supported Oxfam in many different ways over the years. I currently volunteer at the Auckland office, and I’ve made financial donations, bought Oxfam Unwrapped gifts and campaigned for action on climate change.
“One particularly important way for me to know I’m doing something that will make a lasting difference is by leaving a bequest to Oxfam in my Will,” says Diana.
“It’s important for me to focus on what I can do and find the right balance. Leaving a bequest to Oxfam is something I know will make a lasting difference for people living in poverty and it’s something that fits in with what I can do right now.
“I’m certainly no goody two shoes but I do believe that in this life, you get back what you put in. We need to keep up the hope and faith in humanity. When I see things that are unfair, I have to do something about it. You have to get involved and make change. I really believe my life is enriched by what I give and what I do.”
Charting a new course: Overcoming the stalemate in Gaza
In 2014, after unprecedented destruction and suffering in Gaza, international donors pledged $3.5bn and a change in approach. Six months later, reconstruction and recovery have barely begun, there has been no accountability for violations of international law, and Gaza remains cut off from the West Bank.
This paper outlines an achievable course of action to address the root causes of the recurrent conflict and put international engagement with Gaza on the right course.
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Cyclone Pam 1 month on: clean water still high priority
One month after Cyclone Pam hit Vanuatu, water remains a high priority, with small islands dependent on rainwater most in need, Oxfam said today.
The international aid agency has been trucking clean water to thousands of people to prevent the spread of disease, but efforts are now turning to sustainable solutions that can be managed by communities.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said the people of Vanuatu had shown incredible resilience and were focused on returning to self-sufficiency as soon as possible.
“Cyclone Pam blew water tanks for kilometres in some areas and contaminated water sources, including wells,” Dr Szoke said.
“In the weeks since the cyclone, we have delivered more than 150,000 litres of emergency water to communities on Efate Island to meet their immediate needs.
“We’ve also been pumping out contaminated wells and refilling them with clean water on Ambrym Island, including one at a school. The next phase will be restoring water systems and distributing pipes, pumps and tarpaulins to assist with rainwater harvesting.”
Cyclone Pam made a direct hit on Vanuatu on Friday 13 March, tearing through the archipelago with winds of up to 250 kph. More than 13,000 homes were damaged and people’s livelihoods were devastated.
“With 80 per cent of the population reliant on agricultural production prior to the cyclone, there is urgent need for crops to be replanted,” Dr Szoke said.
“Replanting is essential for long-term food security, so we are providing seeds and tools as well.”
To further combat the threat of preventable diseases, Oxfam has been distributing hygiene kits, reaching a third of the population of Ambrym Island.
Sweet solution to a sticky problem
In the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, producing and selling honey is proving to be one sweet solution to the sticky problem of increasing family incomes in the region.
