Cows and buckets might be strange things to ask for at Christmas time, but they’re at the top of wish lists of Australian actors Mia Wasikowska (star of Alice in Wonderland, Jane Eyre and Restless) and Anna Torv (star of TV series Fringe).
The actors had the opportunity to see Oxfam’s work first hand in a visit to its programs in Cambodia earlier this year and are encouraging people to consider Oxfam Unwrapped gifts this Christmas.
Oxfam Unwrapped is the international development agency’s donation program where people can buy items that it uses in its work with poor people – like goats, piglets and wells – and they receive a quirky card to show friends and family how they are helping others.
In a video Public Service Announcement for Oxfam Unwrapped released today, Mia Wasikowska talks about the difference that the gift of a calf, priced at $150 through the catalogue, can make to communities in Cambodia.
“In Cambodia, a cow is a simple solution that can dramatically change the lives of people in poverty,” Ms Wasikowska said.
“Cows provide manure that can be sold or used to fertilise crops. They also help plough fields and their calves can be sold to other families.
“In Australia you can feel so removed from the situations that poor people overseas are facing, but I’ve had the chance to see how simple it can be to help someone have a better future,” Ms Wasikowska said.
In her Public Service Announcement, Anna Torv promotes the Oxfam Unwrapped water filter jar – priced at $14 – which allows communities to have clean water for drinking and cooking.
“As an actress I’ve had the opportunity to work with many creative people, but none were creative enough to come up with a water filter jar which is simply genius,” Ms Torv said.
“Oxfam gives poor communities a simple bucket that is fitted with a tiny filter and a hose, which allows people to drink clean water and to stay healthy and free of disease.
“Oxfam’s water filter jar is a simple contraption that changes lives, and you can support this work through Oxfam Unwrapped,” Ms Torv said.
New gifts on offer this year through Oxfam Unwrapped include the humble blanket, priced at $40, which can become an essential survival tool after a natural disaster.
Prices range from the $10 chicken to the $3000 water quality testing kit that monitors water quality in a natural disaster, so there is a way for people on any budget to assist Oxfam’s work.
Their PSAs can be viewed here
The full range of Oxfam Unwrapped gifts can be viewed and purchased at www.oxfamunwrapped.com.au.
For more information, please contact Sunita Bose on 0407 555 960.
Mia Wasikowska & Anna Torv visit Oxfam programs in Cambodia, April 2011. Photo: John Sones/OxfamAUS
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