Hi all,
One of the things made clear by even a brief venture onto Talk is that we all want the best for our children; which is why it's so painful to imagine a situation in which you're unable to provide them with even the essentials of food, shelter and safety. But as we know, women worldwide are dealing with this daily, whether we want to think about it or not: raising their children in circumstances which are, for the most part, unthinkable for parents in this country, amid conflicts and famines, without permanent homes or hospitals or schools.
Through its Mother Appeal, Oxfam is aiming to improve the lives of these women - and empower them at the same time. As caregivers, mothers are generally at the heart of their communities, and so are best placed to know what's really needed. By raising money specifically for mothers, in order to put the resources they need to improve their lives directly into their hands, the Mother Appeal hopes to change the shape of poor and war-torn communities around the world - which is why we're really glad to be supporting it.
This Mother's Day, if you'd like to help make a real difference to communities in developing countries for years to come and celebrate mums around the world, dedicate a square of Oxfam GB's live Mother's Day Card. The website's live stream shows award winning artist Lizzie Mary Cullen bringing the messages to life on a giant canvas, creating a beautiful piece of art. At the end of the event, the artwork along with all the dedications, will be turned into a giant Mother's Day card; hopefully breaking the world record for most contributions to a greetings card. You can also attach an optional donation to any square you dedicate, and better yet as part of the Mother Appeal, the UK government will match whatever you pledge, pound for pound*.
And finally, if you tell us why you've dedicated your square, you'll be in for a chance to win an overnight £250 spa break for two at Moddershall Oaks Country Spa Retreat in Staffordshire**.
Many thanks and Happy Mother's Day to all,
Justine
*The UK government will match the value of everything donated to the Mother Appeal. Matched funding is up to a maximum total value raised of £5 million. It covers:
-Fundraising events taking place between 31 December and 31 March 2014 and if the money is paid in by 31 May 2014
-The value of items shwopped or donated to the appeal between 31 December 2013 and 31 March 2014 and sold before 30 April 2014 in participating Oxfam and M&S stores in England, Scotland and Wales
-Cash donations between 31 December 2013 to 31 March 2014
**The prize draw will take place on Mother's Day this 30 March. Full terms and conditions can be found here.