The coming week will be critical in raising money to assist the almost one billion people who go to bed hungry every night, according to a leading international aid agency.
Oxfam Australia’s 2010/11 giving trends reveal a spike in public donations in the last week of June, with last year’s June donations peaking on June 30.
“This year, we need to see this trend repeated in order to raise the $2.7 million needed for our lifesaving work around the world, such as providing families in Sri Lanka with the seeds, tools and knowledge they need to feed their families and overcome poverty,” Oxfam Australia Executive Director Andrew Hewett said.
“We know from previous experience that many people tend to leave their end of financial year donations until the very last minute, and we’re urging Australians to dig deep again this year to help those less fortunate than themselves.”
Women are more likely to donate on the last day of June than men, according to an analysis of last year’s donations to Oxfam. Women also donated more generously than men on June 30 last year, with an average gift of $350 compared to $216 for men.
Those aged 50-65 donated the most to Oxfam in last minute donations last year, followed by 35-49 year olds.
Interestingly given the prevalence of technology, 60 per cent of last year’s June donations to Oxfam Australia were given by phone and mail, while 40 per cent were made online.
“It will be interesting to see if we notice much of a change in this trend this year, to more online donations,” Mr Hewett said.
For more information about Oxfam’s Stop Hunger appeal, or to donate, visit www.oxfam.org.au/stophunger
Media contact: Raina Hunter, Oxfam Australia Media Coordinator – 0402 145 820
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