17 million leading better lives – thanks to you

Did you know Oxfam has helped more than 17 million people in 62 countries in the last year?

According to the latest report, Oxfam’s work responding to emergencies such as the Haiti and Indonesia earthquakes, the typhoon in south-east Asia and conflict in Sri Lanka, as well as development and campaigning work, has helped millions, despite an extra 50 million people being driven into extreme poverty because of the global economic crisis.

Fighting poverty. That’s what Oxfam is about. Make no mistake, it’s a massive challenge. But we are winning the battle, right now, in all sorts of ways – big and small. Supporting Oxfam can, and does, make a difference.

Highlights of Oxfam’s work this year show:

• 8 million people have received water, sanitation and hygiene support
• 1 million people have received food assistance
• 740,000 received cash grants
• 435,000 received shelter
• 140,000 received livestock
• An estimated 12 million people took part in campaigns

Barbara Stocking, our Chief Executive, said, “We thank the British public.  Despite belts being tightened at home the British are still leading the way when it comes to generosity.

“There is a sense of us having survived a difficult year but there is still a huge amount to do. We’re operating in the midst of a recession, a global food crisis and the effects of climate change are hitting poor people hard now – if anything our ambition needs to grow.”

The good news is that funds have continued to come in despite the recession. We’ve recorded a further rise in like-for-like sales from shops, as well as a £25m increase in fundraising net income; together these funded a record £219.4m of charitable expenditure. Central support costs have also been reduced by 16% compared with last year.

Our huge fundraising appeal following January’s earthquake in Haiti saw digital donations top £3m, raising £1,000 a minute at its peak. We also rely on a huge number of regular givers, delivering an amazing £45m each year.

Oxfam shop teams launched Bookfest, comprising 200 literary events over the UK. During the festival book donations rose by 40%.

And this year also saw an increase in financial contributions from institutions such as ECHO and the UN – part of Oxfam’s wider plan to ensure that we diversify our sources of income to build financial resilience for the future.

Support Oxfam’s work in the future with an onoing donation from your pay.