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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Stars Align for Oxfam America

Dec 07, 2006
Felicity Huffman, Minnie Driver, Colin Firth and Others In Hollywood Voice Support for 'Unwrapped' Alternative Gift Catalog

Boston, MA -- Dec. 7 -- Several marquee film and TV stars are voicing their support this holiday season for Oxfam America's ongoing work around the world, and especially for its unique online gift-giving program available at www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com.

"It's an amazing organization," said actress Felicity Huffman at a recent Beverly Hills benefit for Oxfam. "It's been going on for 35 years. Oxfam America not only fights hunger, poverty and social injustice, but they refuse to take any money from the government, which means they are free agents, and they can [assess] situation needs -- not what is prescribed by the government."

"Oxfam America Unwrapped is something you do online," she added. "They have great Christmas cards and great presents and you can support the organization and also get your Christmas shopping done."

Academy Award nominee Minnie Driver is also a strong Oxfam supporter who recently appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" bearing the gift of a live, fully-grown camel for Ellen.

"Why give a revolting sweater to your mum or your dad this holiday season, when you can give them a camel; a lovely, hissing, biting, spitting camel; that will do wonderful stuff, for sub-Saharan Africa mostly."

"I suppose what attracts me to Oxfam is that I trust them," said British actor Colin Firth. "I have been helping [Oxfam] out a little bit for about five or six years now. Oxfam is a household name in England. You grow up with Oxfam. It's a very, very big fixture in life. Basically, they're not a charity in the conventional sense of the word; this is not just about raising money and throwing it at problems. It's about actually trying to raise the awareness that we are very much connected with some of the stuff that goes on currently in far-away places."

"I'm very excited about Oxfam America Unwrapped," said actress Kristin Davis who recently toured South Africa with Oxfam. "It's what I've asked for, for Christmas. I've told everyone I know about it, and I think it's a great program. There are water jugs in the online catalog for $18, which seems to us like 'Oh, who would want to send a water jug' but this actually makes a huge difference in these people's lives…it's shocking but it's true."

The 36 gifts from Oxfam's online catalog are symbolic and gift prices reflect a suggested, tax-deductible donation to Oxfam America's work. Rather than a specific item, gift recipients receive a colorful gift card that illustrates the purchase made in his/her name, with a personalized message.

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Press contacts

To arrange an interview with an Oxfam spokesperson or for any other media enquiries, contact our press officers.

Matt Herrick
Director, Media & Public Relations
Boston, MA
Office: (617) 728-2408
Cell: (617) 821-7653 
Email: mherrick@oxfamamerica.org

Helen DaSilva
Corporate Relations and Branding Media Manager
Boston, MA
Office: (617) 728-2409
Cell: (617) 331-2984
Skype: mariahelenari
Email: hdasilva@oxfamamerica.org

Josh Silva
Press Officer, PR & Branding
Boston, MA
Office: (617) 517-9444
Cell: (617) 785-7772
Skype: jsilva982
Email: jsilva@oxfamamerica.org

Laura Rusu
Policy and Campaigns Media Manager
Washington, DC
Office: (202) 496-1169
Cell: (202) 459-3739
Email: lrusu@oxfamamerica.org

Andrew Blejwas
Humanitarian Media Manager
Boston, MA
Office: (617) 728-2544
Cell: (617) 785-7047
Skype: Andrew.Blejwas.oa
Email: ablejwas@oxfamamerica.org

Maura Hart
Senior Humanitarian Press Officer
New York, NY
Cell: (202) 476-0093
Skype: Maura_Hart
Email: mhart@oxfamamerica.org

Ben Grossman-Cohen
Economic Justice Press Officer
Washington, DC
Office: (202) 777-2907
Cell: (202) 629-6018
Skype: ben.grossmancohen
Email: bgrossman-cohen@oxfamamerica.org

Jessica Forres
Extractive Industries & Humanitarian Press Officer
Washington, DC
Office: (202) 777-2914
Cell: (202) 460-8272
Email: jforres@oxfamamerica.org

Lyndsay Cruz
Senior Advisor, Public Figures
Los Angeles, CA
Cell: (562) 331-0698
Skype: lyndsaycruz
Email: lcruz@oxfamamerica.org

Mary Babic
Communications Officer
Boston, MA
Office: (617) 517-9475
Cell: (617) 840-8957
Skype: marybabic.oa
Email: mbabic@oxfamamerica.org