We’re appealing for ethical shoppers to join our annual Solidarity Sale to bag some bargains whilst raising funds to fight global poverty and social inequality.
The Emmaus Oxford Solidarity Sale will take place at our shop in Barns Road, Cowley on Sunday 25 June. We’ll be donating 100% of takings that day to Emmaus International which will use the funds to carry out solidarity programmes and campaigns across the world.
Created in 1971 by Emmaus founder Abbé Pierre, Emmaus International brings together more than 400 Emmaus groups across 41 countries, united in their mission to support vulnerable and marginalised people.
Eddie Blaze, our Chief Executive Officer said: “As an Emmaus community which is part of a global movement, it’s important for us to continue Abbé Pierre’s legacy by carrying out acts of solidarity to help people in need throughout the world.
“By shopping with us on the day of our Solidarity Sale, you will be taking action to support vulnerable people and communities in desperate need. The funds raised on this day will be used to help improve access to basic human rights, such as education, health and water – things we often take for granted here in the UK.”
Emmaus Oxford supports 28 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, work, companionship and individual support. The charity is one of 30 Emmaus communities and three Emmaus groups across the UK, all holding Solidarity Sales during the month of June.
While at Emmaus, people are given the opportunity for a fresh start, gaining skills and work experience alongside training and personal development. Solidarity is central to the Emmaus ethos and residents of Emmaus communities often carry out acts of solidarity to support people in greater need.
Fox, one of the residents at Emmaus Oxford, known as companions, said: “When I found myself unexpectedly homeless five or six years ago, I personally experienced some enormous random acts of generosity and kindness from people that I didn’t know.
“Since then I’ve become involved in solidarity work at Emmaus and for me personally, it gives a great deal of satisfaction to go out there and practice the message that our founder Abbé Pierre put out there in 1949, to help those first that are in need the most.”
Previous Emmaus UK Solidarity Sales have helped to fund refugee support in Ukraine, disaster relief efforts, water projects in Africa and education programmes for orphaned children in India.
Emmaus Oxford’s Solidarity Sale will take place between 10am-4pm, at their shop in Barns Road, Oxford.
Click here to find out more about Emmaus Oxford and details of their charity shops.