Today marks another amazing week of support and solidarity at O.M.A, with a huge team effort including lots of amazing new driver and hall volunteers on board – we’re so grateful for the ongoing care, and thank you very much for your efforts!
Looking at our work since the start of the year, we have delivered over 550 emergency parcels on top over 200 weekly deliveries. The extent of the need and ongoing demand for support is staggering, but as is our collective and growing effort. As ever, O.M.A is all of us so if you do need support, or know anyone who does, please do reach out.
Part time van driver needed
We’re on the hunt again for some lovely part-time contracted van drivers to join our fantastic team. This will involve:
Delivering parcels (collection from Richard Benson Hall, 276 Cowley Road). Routes will be mapped, and 15 – 20 stops.
Collection of Food Supplies from various locations
We are looking for people with availability on Thursday during the day, but there are always ad hoc jobs that pop up throughout the week too!
You need:
– A clean licence
– Experience driving / delivering in vans
– References for the above
If you are interested in hearing more, please e-mail jobs@oxfordmutualaid.org with the subject title ‘Van driving at O.M.A.’. If you’re interested in volunteering but also have experience driving a van, please fill out the form here: www.oxfordmutualaid.org/volunteering
Ramadan preparations
As you may know, we’re gearing up for our efforts to support those celebrating the holy month of Ramadan – ensuring we’re providing effective support through the provision of culturally appropriate foods as well as sweets and treats. At O.M.A, we believe that it’s not just “the essentials” that we need to distribute, but items to ensure that we are respecting the dignity and autonomy and choices of all those we’re supporting.
If you are keen to help with sourcing or know anyone who can donate items (including shops, stores, schools and more!!!) then please email us at coordinators@oxfordmutualaid.org. Let the celebrations begin!
Baby items, toiletries and tins needed
As ever, our stocks are reducing as a result of increasing food prices as well as changes in supply chains – many of which hit food support providers like O.M.A the hardest. In addition to food we provide nappies and formula milk as well as toiletries and hygiene products as these are essential and costly items. Everyone has a right to good health and care and we hope to ensure we can continue to provide these items but we need your help!
At the moment, we are particularly in need of nappies size 2 and 6, sanitary pads, black tea and tinned soup.
Feel free to order or drop off to us anytime – we’re The Richard Benson Hall, 276 Cowley Road, OX4 1UR. Thank you!
Supporting food justice in OX4
As part of our work with the OX4 Food Crew we have been working on a project to fundraise for the bulk purchase of key food items many of which are in extremely short supply. We are now 56% of the way towards our target so please continue to share and donate!
Please continue to let friends, family and networks know about food injustice – we know that food poverty is not an isolated problem but a structural one and increasing support for grassroots organisations and partnerships like the OX4 Food Crew will help communities support each other. A shout out this week also to the amazing Film Oxford who filmed a short video for us on Tuesday! We’re very excited to see the results.
Feedback
We’ve been grateful to receive thoughtful feedback and are always reminded of how needed this community is.
Thank you for delivery of food to me yesterday evening I got them and I’m grateful for the provisions provided thank you very much!
Huge thanks for the brilliant food parcel this morning!
Thanks for another wonderful delivery. The cats are delighted and so am I.
