In THE WELSH DOUGHNUT 2020 report Oxfam stated: The evidence brought together in this report paints a stark picture. Almost one-quarter of households in Wales are living in relative, income-related, poverty, which is also associated with lower levels of life expectancy and educational achievement.
So what is Oxfam doing to help alleviate “the country’s shameful and stubbornly high poverty rate”? (Sarah Rees, Head of Oxfam Cymru). “Oxfam shops are at the heart of the charity and their community, raising vital funds and increasing public awareness of what we do”. Oxfam shops must be profitable, a minimum of £25k, regardless of whether they are in Knightsbridge or Haverfordwest, but they also have a vital role in their community.
Oxfam’s Haverfordwest shop, which has been there since 1987, is profitable and increasingly so, and is an important resource for the local community. It sells an extensive range of high quality donated clothes and accessories, as well as homeware, Fairtrade food, gifts, and greetings cards. The bookshop is largest second hand bookshop in Pembrokeshire with high quality books and music across all genres. The shop is vibrant and inviting, everyone shopping there is assured of a warm welcome from staff and volunteers.
Managers Derrick and Mark have nurtured a team of highly motivated volunteers, some of whom will use their experience to move into paid work. For others it’s an opportunity to ‘donate’ their time and expertise and to be part of a social network with a shared purpose. The shop also offers work experience to college students. So as well as generating money for Oxfam’s work, it is a magnet for people on low incomes, provides education and training opportunities, social networking and a sustainable retail model.
This community asset is now under threat for reasons beyond its control. The upper floors of the premises contain asbestos which must be removed and the shop must bear the £60k+ cost, to be debited to the shop’s account in just one year, making it unprofitable. Hence discussions around closure. Management at Oxfam GB has known about the asbestos for some years and has kicked the problem down the road. Derrick and Mark think moving to new premises is a better option; Oxfam GB would consider the relocation costs an investment which would have a 5 year payback, but the shop would have to make £65k profit per annum. Oxfam’s area manager noted that Haverfordwest is depressed town, ipso facto, the shop can’t generate £25k in addition to paying renovation costs, and has now been set another impossible target of £65k. Derrick and Mark have two weeks to write a business plan on how to achieve the impossible.
Oxfam GB plans to remove a thriving shop which helps to relieve poverty in its community and internationally. Is Oxfam GB only concerned about an arbitrary bottom line, not poverty in its own back yard.
Contact Rosamund Aubrey (Oxfam volunteer) 01646 636713
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