Oxfam Loving

Everywhere we go, we are confronted with rattling collection buckets and pleading posters. It can be tricky to decide where your loyalties lie: with the donkey sanctuary or the fight against cancer? When we have to watch our money, who is it going to be that manages to persuade you to part with it.

Essentially charities have become nothing less than a hughstreet business: employing different means of playing with your emotions, your conscience to receive your donations.

However, that is simply the way it is in this world of competition to be top dog. I am in no way against supporting charities. They have to do what they have to do in order to have the funds for caring and sharing, bringing a better life to all those at whom the charity supports. I merely think it is interesting to observe how everything works in this wild world.

So back to it, charities can be amazing, and I myself have started supporting Oxfam. Back in the summer I volunteered as a steward at Reading Festival over the August bank holiday. It was absolutely one of the best experiences of my life. It offered me the chance to meet such incredible people, to gain an insight into festival psychology – very funny to observe from afar – and to have a wonderful festival weekend – admittedly dressed as an orange highlighter.

Moreover, I was exposed to the workings of Oxfam, and honestly believe that it is one of the greatest charities.

So why is that?

Well Oxfam started out in 1942 as the Oxford Committee for Famine Relief (hence the name, Oxfam), working to ensure a supply of provisions for civilians in a WW2 scarred world. Since then it has become a global name, providing those in need with unwavering support.

In addition, I think their campaigns for a sustainable environment are hugely commendable, for it is not just war-torn countries that need help – we need to prevent disasters by ensuring the stability of our environment for future generations.

Since Reading, I have also volunteered as a part of the ‘cheer team’ at the Palace to Palace half marathon in London’s parks. This too was such a brilliant opportunity; not necessarily for me in terms of meeting people, but rather because of the effect our cheering was having on the runners: it gave them such a spur on, a reason to smile even whilst being 11 miles into the race.

So next up for me is running to support Oxfam. I’ve always been a runner, though I have never completed a sponsored distance, so it’ll be an exciting time.

And for everyone else out there confused about how to employ their time, I can wholeheartedly say that Oxfam is such a worthwhile charity and with so many means to supporting them, it is undoubtable that you will have fun in doing so.