Oxfam Unwrapped

Gifts that last long after they're unwrapped!

Ever wonder what to give friends or family members in honour of a special occasion. Now, Oxfam makes it easy. At Oxfamunwrapped you can buy donkeys, goats, chickens, clean water or even training to prevent gender-based violence in Africa, Asia or the Americas.

These are great gifts that give twice first, by helping women and men in poor countries reach a greater level of self-sufficiency and control over their lives, and second, by giving your friends and family a good feeling about the special gift given in their names.

"There's a perfect gift for everyone on your list and they each relate to different facets of Oxfam's work -- and the work of our partners in Africa, the Americas and Asia -- to build self-reliance and respect for human rights," says Robert Fox, Oxfam Canada's Executive Director.

A gift of women's training could support the work of partners like the SIKE Women's Association in the Awash River region of Ethiopia. They have helped many women learn how to read, write and develop the skills needed to run small businesses.

Oxfam Canada works with hundreds of local organizations in over twenty countries working towards long-term sustainable development and self-sufficiency.

'Oxfam Unwrapped is simple, says Fox. 'First you select the gift you think your friend will like best. You will receive an e-tax receipt for the full value of your gift. We then send you a card PDF or an e-card ­ that you can deliver to the recipient of the gift. If you want, we'll send the card to your friends or family for you, telling them how they are helping fight poverty in developing countries. Best of all, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home.

Visit OxfamUnwrapped and give a gift that will make a difference.

You get my goat! -- click here to see some of the ways Oxfam Unwrapped donations are being used.

Meet two of Oxfam Canada's youngest supporters!

Oscar and Thomas