Oxfam helped almost a third more people caught up in humanitarian disasters in 2014-15 as it responded to an unprecedented number of emergencies including the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and ongoing conflicts in Syria and South Sudan.
The organisation supported 8.1 million people across 39 humanitarian disasters over the year, providing clean water, sanitation and food, compared to 6.1 million across 24 emergencies in 2013-14.
The increase in Oxfam’s work was made possible by the public’s generous support in response to an increasing number of humanitarian emergencies, including four emergency appeals for Ebola in West Africa, the crisis in Gaza, Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu and the ongoing conflict in South Sudan.
Oxfam’s Annual Report released today reveals income rose to £401.4m, up £12m or 3% percent. Income from public fundraising increased by 2.5 percent to £100.8m.
In total, Oxfam directly helped 11.8 million people both in humanitarian emergencies and through its longer term programmes.
Mark Goldring, Oxfam GB’s Chief Executive said: “Oxfam has been stretched responding to natural disasters, the terrifying Ebola epidemic and people left vulnerable by conflicts. The amazing generosity of the British public made it possible for us to help over 8 million people during times of disaster last year.
“The earthquake in Nepal and a surge in fighting in Yemen show that this year could be just as challenging. Increasing food prices, the impact of climate change and ongoing conflicts continue to threaten the lives of poor people the world over. Oxfam campaigns for change and works on the ground, putting in place long-term, sustainable solutions to improve opportunities for the world's most vulnerable communities.
“Public support is vital to enable us to continue this work. We are still a long way from being able to respond to all the needs and demands we come across."
Income from Oxfam’s shop network was down slightly by 2.5 percent to £22.9m as a shortage of high-quality donated goods and an unseasonably warm autumn ate into sales, especially of adult clothing.
Andrew Horton, Oxfam Trading Director said: "The pressure people have felt on their household incomes means people are buying fewer new clothes and other items, which has a knock-on effect on the quantity and quality of donations to our shops. We need people to donate any unwanted clothes, books and home wares to Oxfam.
“Although income from our shops fell slightly despite the great work from our 23,000 volunteers, we’ve reduced our trading costs over the last year so an even greater proportion of the money raised by the sale of donated items goes to support our work saving lives in emergencies and helping people to escape poverty.”
Oxfam reduced its fundraising and administration costs last year, meaning 84 pence in every pound donated went to emergency, development and campaigning work.
In 2014-15, vulnerable people around the world continued to be hit hardest by disaster.
Oxfam’s Even It Up campaign focused on growing inequality which will soon see the world’s richest 1 percent own more than the remaining 99 percent.
Oxfam also highlighted how the world’s poor are suffering the effects of climate change, partnering with other organisations in the Climate Coalition to call for action on climate change and an end to the use of coal.
As well as influencing the policies and practices that affect huge numbers of people, Oxfam has directly helped 11.8 million people in the last year including helping:
- 4,100,000 people access clean water
- 1,250,000 people benefit from improved sanitation facilities, greatly reducing the spread of disease
- 2,100,000 people benefit from the distribution of food, cash or vouchers, enabling them to survive in a crisis
- 250,000 farmers negotiate better prices for their goods in more markets
- 500,000 people improve their crops and services, boosting livelihoods
- 100,000 people benefit from innovative ways to tackle climate change
- 320,000 women be aware and able to stand up for their rights
- 310,000 people actively participate in campaigns to lobby for specific goals
The Oxfam Annual Report 2014/15 will be available to download at, www.oxfam.org.uk/accounts
ENDS
For further information and interviews with Chief Executive Mark Goldring contact Sarah Grainger in the Oxfam press office sgrainger1@oxfam.org.uk / 01865 472089 / 07810 181514 or Meg Pruce mpruce1@oxfam.org.uk / 01865 472240 / 07824 824359
Notes to editors:
The Annual Report for the 12-month period ending 31 March 2015 was released today; Monday 10th August 2015.
Oxfam's overall income for 2014/15 was £401.4m. In 2013/14 its overall income was £389.1m.
Oxfam is a global humanitarian, development and campaigning organisation working with others to overcome poverty. From life-saving emergency response to life-changing development projects and campaigning for lasting change, Oxfam works in over 90 countries as part of the Oxfam International confederation to tackle poverty at its roots.
Oxfam has one million supporters in the UK. For every £1 donated, 84p is spent on emergency, development and campaigning work, 8p is spent on support and governance and 8p is invested to generate future income. Oxfam has nearly 700 high street shops across the UK selling donated fashion, books, music, home wares and new ethical products. It is supported by a workforce of 23,000 volunteers. Oxfam also launched the UK's first online charity shop in 2007.
Oxfam GB is affiliated to Oxfam International, a global confederation of 18 independent Oxfams that share the same purpose.
Sarah Grainger Press Officer, Oxfam GB Tel: +44 1865 472 089 Cell: +44 781 018 1514 Skype: sarah.grainger Email: sgrainger1@oxfam.org.uk