Sunday, December 02, 2007

Oxfam is launching a Christmas appeal to take a modern version of the Thunderbox back to Africa -- but this time for use by Africans. The charity has enlisted the actresses Helen Mirren and Helena Bonham-Carter and the singer Will Young to persuade us that, instead of splashing out on an iPhone or a Nintendo Wii games console, we should pay £50 to give a latrine for Christmas.

Oxfam officials say they hope to raise enough money for up to 26,000 latrines over the Christmas period, to be installed in 49 developing countries. As well as Africa, some will be given to communities in south Asia, the Middle East and South America.

Other “ethical” gifts in Oxfam’s Christmas catalogue include parcels of condoms, at £24; agricultural fertiliser, at £38; and Aids-prevention classes for young people, at £72. Goats were the most popular gift last year, and 2,400 have been bought this year, at £25 each.

The campaign asks Britons to spare their loved ones the misery of “rubbish presents” and instead buy them gifts that are “life-changing”.

The Sunday Times

[color="DarkRed"]Comment: I get the feeling the Times people were having a good 'larf' at our expense