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1942. Oxford Committee for Famine Relief set up
In the middle of World War II the Committee initially lobbies the government for the relaxation of the Allied blockade of occupied Europe, and to ensure the supply of vital relief to civilians, especially in Belgium and Greece.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
Period: to
Oxfam timeline
Oxfam is an international confederation of charitable organizations focused on the alleviation of global poverty -
1951. Famine hits Bihar, India
For the first time, the Oxford Committee responds to an emergency in a developing country.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
1953. First emergency response
We launch our first response to a disaster, in this case an earthquake in the Ionian Islands in Greece. Leslie Kirkley himself (see 1951) flies out to assess the damage.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
1959. Oxfam takes to the classroom
With the 1960s fast approaching, the Oxford Committee appoints ‘Regional and Schools Organisers’. We’ve been inspiring local groups and students to get fired up about poverty and injustice ever since.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
1972. Big in Bangladesh
Following the creation of Bangladesh in January, we launch the biggest aid package in our history – £1 million for water transport, re-housing and agricultural support.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
1979. Cambodia hits the headlines
Public outcry follows a TV documentary showing conditions in Cambodia after the overthrow of the Pol Pot regime. Blue Peter launches an Oxfam-linked appeal, hoping to raise £100,000. Within three months, an incredible £3 million has been donated, and buys rice, seeds, tools, pumps and fertilisers. -
1984. Famine in Ethiopia
Harrowing TV footage prompts unprecedented public support and a surge of interest in the crisis in Africa. Initiatives like Band Aid contribute to Oxfam’s response, and our income doubles in a single year – to £51 million. -
2004. Asian Tsunami
The world looks on horrified as the extent of the damage is revealed. Many of our biggest emergency responses take place in this decade – in Asia, but also following earthquakes in Central America and India, and conflicts in the DRC, Uganda and Sudan.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/history-of-oxfam -
2006. Arms Trade success
Supporters of Control Arms (a coalition between Oxfam, Amnesty International and IANSA) celebrate a major victory as an overwhelming majority of the world’s governments vote to start work on an international Arms Trade Treaty. -
2011. Keep on running
Oxfam is chosen as the Charity of the Year for the Virgin London Marathon. More than 350 runners join our team and raise thousands of pounds for Oxfam projects around the globe.
