Oxfam, the Oxford based charity to improve a whopping ninety countries is run by an open handed and devoted team of volunteers. I visited one of many Oxfam branches (Steyning, West Sussex) to discover who these loving people are and why they devote hours of their precious time to help others.

As I entered the shop I was presented with a warm welcome from one of the volunteers, named Diana. She has volunteered for the last three years and is very happy with being involved within the charitable shop.

When I asked Diana what has driven her to come into Oxfam every morning for the previous three years Diana replied saying

“I think that it is a socially useful thing to do, you are working to help the third world and I really enjoy the companionship. The manager is great. Mostly, I get my motivation from feeling like I am helping people”

After a great discussion with Diana the manager kindly allowed me to speak to another volunteer named Judie. I asked the same question. She answered with this:

“When you hear about problems and issues in Sudan I feel like at least I have done something to help.”

Finally, I asked Judie if she had a personal attachment to the charity which she replied to saying:

“I went travelling, when I was 48 and I managed to get as far as places like Kenya, India, Nepal and Indonesia with my child. This made me acutely aware of the problems there. I also studied third world development at university. So yes, this charity does feel personal to me and contributes to my motivation.

If you wish to visit: 82 High St, Steyning BN44 3RD

By Sam Blakeley