Blog

Meet Pauline, one of the first

November 17, 2015

Pauline Norris could be described as one of Oxfam’s original supporters. She remembers supporting Oxfam back in the early 1990s when the organisation was initially established in New Zealand.

“In the early days of Oxfam New Zealand, Phil Twyford, who was the Executive Director back then, visited all the regular donors in person to find out why we’d chosen to give to Oxfam.” says Pauline.

A sociologist by background, Pauline is a Professor at the School of Pharmacy at Otago University in Dunedin. “My research focuses on access to and use of medicines. It includes research in the Pacific and with Pacific people here in New Zealand. I first came across Oxfam many years ago when I was reading about access to medicines in developing countries.

“What I like about Oxfam’s work is that it works to tackle the root causes of poverty. When I first started supporting Oxfam, most charities focused on child sponsorship. But I’m more interested in a community wide approach.”

Pauline has been an active member of the Dunedin Water for Survival group for more than 13 years. “We do various activities to raise funds for Oxfam’s water and sanitation work. Our biggest and best right now is selling Christmas trees,” adds Pauline. Last year the group raised an incredible $2,000 selling trees.

“In the late 1990s I made my first Will and it was then I decided to leave a bequest to Oxfam. It seemed like a great idea to me. It’s another way to support good work that I believe in, and I think more people should consider this option.”

“I’m pleased my support for Oxfam is helping whole communities to live healthier lives and building a better future for people living in poverty.”

Meet Mary, giving as part of an ongoing legacy

April 16, 2015

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

April 16, 2015

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.”

How A Syrian Mother Is Building Hope Out Of Shattered Lives

March 11, 2015

Noor, a 30 year old teacher and mother, has set up a school in a settlement by the Mediterranean Sea, and offers free classes to children.

When she came to Lebanon, and joined dozens of families in this settlement, she received a very warm welcome. ‘People knew that I was a teacher back in Syria and they had hopes that I would start a school. I started with very basic resources. We even used to go to the dumpsite and gather card board to write on them instead of notebooks because parents are poor. At first I had 15 students but when parents heard that the school was for free, everyone was encouraged to educate their children.’

‘Even though I´m a mother and a wife and have to cook, clean and handle many tiring tasks, I’m very optimistic when it comes to those children,’ she says sitting on the floor of her small tent that turns into a classroom every afternoon. A white board stands in the corner, opposite the kitchen corner where old pots wait for her to cook the day’s main meal.

‘Not everything is about money. These are the children of our country. They need you, even if you can’t help them financially, you can help them morally. You can cultivate them, educate them and make them feel as if they’re in their country.’

Noor’s classroom where she teaches Syrian Refugees. Noor has noticed that since the children have started coming to school their behaviour has changed.

The tent where Noor’s has set up her classroom. At first resources were very limited in the settlement. They used to gather cardboard from the dumpsite to write on instead of
notebooks.

A Syrian girl learns the alphabet in Noor’s classroom. Noor has had to develop some innovative teaching methods to make do with so few resources.

A Syrian girl learns the alphabet in Noor’s classroom. Half of Lebanon’s 1.1 million registered Syrian refugees are children. 66% of those do not attend school.