OXFAM Tralee is asking people to take part in a fun challenge to declutter and save their donations for when their local Oxfam shop reopens on June 8th.

The #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam encourages people to showcase their unwanted items by re-creating the infamous scene from popular television when Joey Tribbiani puts on as many layers of clothes as possible.

At the start of April, along with many other businesses, Oxfam Ireland made the difficult decision to close its network of shops – to protect staff, volunteers and customers – and to play its part in the country’s response to COVID-19.

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Eileen O’Hanlon, Shop Manager of Oxfam Tralee said: “Our shops play a vital role in raising much-needed funds for Oxfam’s work globally – they are central to ensuring we can continue to protect and support some of the most vulnerable people in the world.

“We are calling on local people to drop their donations of clothes, accessories and bric-a-brac to us at 6 Abbey Court. Ahead of opening our doors on June 8th, our staff and volunteers will be in the shop getting it safety-ready to recommence business – and we will gladly accept your pre-loved items.

“The reality is, after more than two months of closure, your donations are needed more than ever – especially as we respond to the threat of COVID-19 in some of the most fragile places on earth.”

So, how does Oxfam’s Joey Challenge work?

First things first, if you haven’t already, get decluttering! Oxfam shops accept clothes, shoes, accessories, bric-a-brac, books, DVDs and more. Once you have gathered your items for donation show Oxfam what you’ve got – Joey style!

Take a photo of you and your donations and post it on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam, making sure to nominate a friend. You can go original by putting on as many layers of clothing as possible, or try one of Oxfam’s alternative (and fun) Joey Challenges:

• The Joey Original: Layer on as many of the clothes and accessories you are going to donate as possible.
• The Joey Fresh: Hang all the clothes you are going to donate on your washing line or over your staircase’s bannister or over your arms!
• The Joey Traditional: Simply fold and pile the clothes you are doing to donate – let’s see how high you can go!
• The Showy Joey: Put on a fashion show and model some of the items you are going to donate.
• The Novel Joey: Just donating books?! Stack ‘em up – or build something with them!
• The Joey Mishmash: Gather the bric-a-brac you are going to donate.
• The Joey Freestyle: Show us what you got in your own unique way!

Once you have completed your Joey Challenge box or bag up your unwanted items and drop them to Oxfam Tralee! While their doors don’t open until June 8th, staff will be in store from June 2nd, ready to accept your donations.

Oxfam Tralee is located at 6 Abbey Court, Tralee and can be reached by telephone or email with any queries from the public about dropping off donations: 066 712 7655 or tralee@oxfam.org.  To find out more about the #JoeyChallenge4Oxfam visit: https://stories.oxfamireland.org/joeychallenge4oxfam/

OXFAM in Tralee is looking for enthusiastic people of all ages to join its existing team of dedicated shop volunteers.

The charity shop is appealing to the local community to pledge their time to help people living in poverty in more than 90 countries around the world.

Oxfam Tralee Shop Manager Eileen Cullinane said: “Without our team of amazing volunteers our shop could not stay open. Volunteers really are the heart and soul of our shop in Tralee and we rely on them and appreciate their contribution hugely.

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“All volunteers joining us are assured of a warm welcome, an interesting, worthwhile experience, and genuine appreciation of their support. Volunteering is a great way to gain new skills, meet new people, give something back to your community and have fun in the process.”

Eileen Cullinane also highlighted the volunteer experiences of two particular members of the team, Nora Casey and Kay O’Connor, who between them have given an invaluable volunteering contribution for a total of 20 years’ service.

“Nora joined us five years ago for the social aspect of volunteering as she was eager to meet new people. Her contribution includes working on the till as a sales assistant, as well as sorting and steaming items donated by the public.

“Kay has been volunteering with us for 15 years, after being motivated to give something back to the local community and to make a real difference to the lives of people living in poverty in the developing world. Kay’s previous retail experience means she delivers great customer service while working on the shop floor and she particularly enjoys looking after our books section.

“For those looking for work experience, volunteering will look great on your CV. And you get lots of experiences you wouldn’t otherwise get in life. Of course, each volunteer is different and contributions vary. But what they all have in common is they are amazing, generous people who make the world a fairer, kinder place. Oxfam is proud and so grateful for what our dedicated Tralee shop volunteers have contributed to the cause,” adds Eileen.

As little as four hours a week can make a big difference by helping to raise vital funds for Oxfam’s work worldwide.

Each Oxfam shop volunteer is given on-the-job training and the chance to learn new skills, develop existing talents and take on responsibility.

Everyone is valued and appreciated. The range of tasks includes pricing donations, sorting stock, using the till, dressing the windows and customer service.

Volunteers play a vital role in Oxfam’s work to beat poverty for good, supporting life-saving and life-changing projects from long-term development and emergency response to campaigning to tackle the root causes of poverty. Each volunteer shift could raise enough money to give two people clean drinking water in Ethiopia. Or to provide one woman in Bangladesh with access to a safe bathing cubicle. Or to train six farmers in innovative farming techniques in Ghana so they can deal with unpredictable weather.

If you feel you can help by volunteering, drop into your local Oxfam shop at 6 Abbey Court, Tralee; call 066 712 7655; or email tralee@oxfamireland.org.

TRALEE’S Oxfam shop is launching its Christmas range and festive partywear on next Saturday.

They are appealing for local support to raise funds for people in Syria and beyond with their largest ever range of brand new and Fair Trade gifts.

Oxfam Ireland’s Tralee shop has launched its seasonal unwrapped alternative gift cards and the largest ever range of brand new Christmas gifts.

The store will highlight the gift ideas along with festive partywear on Saturday, December 3, as part of an all-day event including a cake sale and the chance to enter a raffle draw with three prizes of hampers (main essentials, family and children’s).

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The store is hoping to appeal to shoppers in the run-up to Christmas with unwrapped cards including the gift of a goat or clean water, along with new items like Fair Trade chocolates, decorations and stocking fillers. Wrapping paper and Christmas cards are also available.

Oxfam Tralee shop manager Edward Raynor said: “Christmas is a crucial time for Oxfam Ireland with emergency relief being provided to refugees in conflict zones along with long-term projects helping families lift themselves out of extreme poverty and hunger.

“We hope people in Tralee and the surrounding area will support our work this Christmas and help raise vital funds to continue Oxfam’s work. This includes providing clean water in countries like Syria and Iraq and supporting vulnerable unaccompanied children arriving in Europe.

“With gifts that give back starting at just €1 for personalised worry dolls and from €5 for an Unwrapped card supporting cocoa farmers, there really is something for everyone. You can tick off your Christmas list with stocking-fillers, festive essentials and thoughtful present ideas that will be sure to please your family and friends – and help people further afield in crisis and poverty.”