Oxfam shops celebrating 60 years

Oxfam is celebrating the 60th anniversary of its first British charity shop this weekend with an appeal for unwanted diamond jewellery.

The charity opened its first branch in Broad Street, Oxford, in 1948, giving to those in need after World War II.

Donations over the years have included a donkey, a houseboat, an orchard of apples and a rare 17th century treatise which sold for £18,000.

Oxfam's current 730 shops have raised more than £500m to fight world poverty.

Entrepreneur Joe Mitty, who began running the charity's shops in 1949, encouraged donations of paintings, books and other household items.

He died last year but planned to mark this year's anniversary with an appeal for diamonds, the traditional gemstone for a 60th anniversary.

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"I think that they are pricing themselves out of the market, as they get things to sell for free and expect near new prices for them."
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David McCullough, Oxfam's director of trading, said the 20,000 volunteers who worked in the charity's shops were "the heart and soul" of the outlets and central to Oxfam's work.

"For this special anniversary we would love people to be inspired to donate some of their time to help their local Oxfam shop and join a network of dedicated and incredibly valuable people," he added.

Model and Oxfam supporter Yasmin Le Bon, encouraged people to donate things they no longer needed.

"This is a great opportunity to donate your unwanted jewellery and make a real difference to so many lives," she said.

The Broad Street store, which remains open, will host a fashion show and street party on Saturday.

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