Oxfam in Ocean Grove celebrates 50 years

A SMALL group of Ocean Grove volunteers has clocked up 50 years of raising funds locally to support Oxfam, but will wind up soon.

Oxfam, the international charity and global movement, is dedicated to tackling the root causes of poverty.

It works alongside local partners and communities to deliver life-saving humanitarian relief, long-term anti-poverty projects and powerful campaigns for change.

The Ocean Grove branch of Oxfam was formed 50 years ago by a small band of volunteers to both promote local awareness of the organisation’s vital work and to raise funds for Oxfam projects. Many of the original group members are still active in the group.

More than $200,000 has been raised so far.

Several different fundraising initiatives were undertaken in the early days, while in more recent years, the primary focus has been the twice-yearly sales of new and recently published books.

The book sales, in both Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads, have been the major source of revenue. The books have always been donated, so all proceeds are forwarded to Oxfam for their immediate use.

“This important milestone has only been possible due to both our wonderful band of volunteers and the many loyal customers who have supported our book sales over many years,” group president and long-time member Lesley Pope said.

At the AGM, the group also made the difficult decision to call it a day at the end of the year.

A final book sale will be held on November 29 from 9am to 1pm at the Ocean Grove Uniting Church Hall, corner of Eggleston Street and The Parade, Ocean Grove.

As a thank you to its many customers, the group will reduce the price of all books including new stock by 50 per cent from the already heavily discounted marked prices.