Oxfam shop in Northampton helps to launch worldwide appeal for victims of Nepal earthquake

All cash donations collected at the Oxfam shop in Kingsthorpe along Harborough Road will go towards Oxfam’s operations which aim to help those who are now struggling to survive after losing almost everything.

Vimal Shah, shop manager, said: “We have all seen the terrible images and we all want to help, in however small a way. Donating in the shop is easy and will make a real difference to Oxfam’s emergency work.”

Thousands of people are thought to have been affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake as it rocked central Nepal. It was the largest earthquake to hit the country in 80 years and it flattened entire sections of the capital city, Kathmandu.

A spokeswoman for Oxfam said: “Homes have been lost and historic buildings destroyed. But the human cost is far worse. When the buildings fell, many men, women and children were trapped inside. So far the earthquake has claimed more than2,000 lives – although the death toll is rising all the time.

“Donations are crucial for Oxfam’s emergency response.

“Oxfam already has a team in Nepal and a team of technical experts are flying from the UK and neighbouring Thailand with supplies to provide clean water, sanitation and emergency food supplies. Just £5 could buy water purification tablets to keep families safe,” she added.

The Oxfam shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9am - 5pm. You can support Oxfam’s emergency appeal by donating at the shop, online at www.oxfam.org.uk, by phone on 0300 200 1999 or by texting* EMERGENCY to 70066 to donate £5.00.

*SMS texts will cost £5 plus your standard network rates. By texting you consent to future telephone contact by Oxfam. If you do not wish to be contacted please send NOINFO to 70066. Helpline: 0300 200 1300.