17 May 2011

Oxfam launches clothing appeal after fire destroys Wastesaver stock
Oxfam has launched its first national emergency appeal for clothing donations following a devastating fire at a recycling facility in Huddersfield that destroyed hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of machinery and stock - the biggest loss of donations in the charity's 69-year history.

The fire, on 30 April, destroyed the Oxfam Wastesaver processing facility, including clothing stock held for Oxfam's pop-up festivals shop, which raised £250,000 last year and is set to appear at summer music festivals including Glastonbury, Leeds and Bestival.

The charity is calling on the public to donate unwanted clothing and accessories to local Oxfam shops or donation banks across the UK.

Oxfam's trading director, David McCullough, said Wastesaver had been "a vital part of what we do for more than 40 years" and had allowed the charity to maximise revenue from textiles that cannot be resold in its shops, while at the same time minimising the amount of textiles sent to landfill. It handled 800 tonnes of surplus clothing and textiles per month.

McCullough added: "We'll be back up to full operations again very soon, but the situation is so severe and unprecedented that we've launched an emergency appeal for stock for the first time in our history. Now more than ever we urgently need donations so we can keep raising money for our work around the world."

The appeal is being backed by the retailer Whistles chief executive, Jane Shepherdson, and fashion designer Wayne Hemingway. Shepherdson said: "The damage caused by this fire is a huge blow not only for Oxfam, but for charity shoppers and fashion fans across the country. Every single item of clothing, accessories or shoes you can donate will help to make a huge difference."

Wayne Hemingway added: "I'll be rooting through my drawers and cupboards to get some bags of donations together for Oxfam this week, and I'd encourage everyone to do the same."

The Wastesaver division also manages 600 gift book banks and 700 clothing gift banks, which were not affected by the fire, while Oxfam's shop network generates around £23m profit every year to fight poverty.

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