MAY 2013
photo: Titan Lam
Oxfam Express
49 Issue
A small rice packet leads to big lasting changes With your support, Oxfam is able to equip tea farmers in Changning, Yunnan with better skills and means to improve livelihoods and cope with disasters.
Message from the Director General Dear Oxfam Friend, Every year over two weekends in May, our staff and volunteers fan out into the community for the annual Oxfam Rice Sale. Dressed in the Oxfam tee shirts or volunteer jackets, our “green army” enthusiastically participates in the event, rain or shine, hoping to raise more money for poor people in Mainland China. Last year, the event was extended to Macau and was met with overwhelmingly positive response. Oxfam Hong Kong has been working in China since 1987. Over the last 26 years, we have supported more than 2,000 development and humanitarian projects in 29 provinces and cities to assist poor people to improve their lives. However, over 90 million people in the country still earn an annual income of less than 2,300 yuan per person. This year, the theme of the Oxfam China Development Fund campaign is “A small rice packet
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leads to big lasting changes”. Indeed, every rice packet that you buy will make a difference. I urge you to support our campaign this year and buy more, if you can.
mark in Ying’s life, but in this issue of Oxfam Express, she demonstrates the power of hope and resilience and shows us how a near-fatal trauma has not robbed her of a fulfilling life.
Have you ever noticed that the photos that you see in our communications materials often feature smiling faces and always carry positive messages? It is our belief that the fight against poverty and injustice is achieved by determination, perseverance and a positive attitude. We consider our donors and project participants as equal partners. Instead of being passive takers, our beneficiaries can – with our assistance – actively change their lives around and embark on the journey towards self-reliance.
Whether rain or shine, let us continue to join hands to help more people fight against poverty and injustice – with a smile and a positive attitude!
Do you still remember Ying? She is one of the survivors of a deadly factory fire in Shenzhen and has assisted many injured workers to rebuild their lives. She is also the main character of one of the workshops hosted by our Interactive Education Centre. The tragedy has left a
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With warm wishes,
Stephen Fisher Director General
info@oxfam.org.hk