Oxfam calls for Floriade volunteers

Campaigns and Advocacy, GROW, Media Releases, News article written on the 29 Aug 2013

Oxfam is calling for volunteers to help out at its inspiring GROW Garden and stall at next month’s Floriade festival in Canberra.

The international development agency – one of two Floriade charity partners – will be showcasing its GROW campaign, which aims to raise awareness of how we can all contribute to tackling world hunger. 

Oxfam ACT campaigns coordinator Debbie Hunt said she was still looking for volunteers for activities such as manning a beautiful GROW garden, inspired by the principles of recycling and low input farming.

“Created with primarily recycled materials, visitors will have the chance to literally help Oxfam GROW a better future, all while learning about the global food system,” Ms Hunt said.

She said Oxfam also was looking for volunteers to help out with children’s activities, such as scarecrow making and art and craft activities.

Ms Hunt said volunteering would be a fun way to learn about how the global food system worked, why hunger existed and how we could all play a part in finding a solution.

“We grow enough to feed everyone – but injustices in how the world produces, distributes, prepares and consumes food means one in eight people go hungry every day,” Ms Hunt said.

“It’s easy, as a consumer in a rich country like Australia, to think that the problem of hunger is too overwhelming to fix.  However, the actions we take do have an impact on the global food system.  Individual actions, done collectively, make a difference.

“We can reduce food waste, use less energy when cooking, or grow and eat sustainably, which will contribute much more to human wellbeing, and help ensure that everyone on the planet will always have enough to eat. 

“We believe that GROW is a perfect fit not only with Floriade but also with the local charity partner, the Yellow Van, a food rescue organisation that is helping at a local level to reduce food waste.” 

Oxfam also is hosting cooking workshops with GROW ambassadors Julie Goodwin (14 and 15 September) and Simon Bryant (21 and 22 September), which will inspire people to consider what they can do in their own kitchen to ensure their choices are best for their family and the globe.

Floriade runs from 14 September to 13 October at Canberra’s Commonwealth Park.

Volunteers need to be aged over 18.  Shifts are between four and eight hours.  For more information, please email jennifert@oxfam.org.au

Find out more at https://www.oxfam.org.au/grow/

Media enquiries to Laurelle Keough on 0425 701 801 or laurellek@oxfam.org.au