No presents - no poverty

INTERNATIONAL efforts to end poverty around the world rely not just on Governments but on individuals to make words into reality. Local teenager Adam Tyndall has taken up the challenge to make a difference with a home-grown campaign called ‘No Presents – No Poverty’.

Adam, 15, of Earley, near Reading, has pledged to sacrifice all his Christmas presents this year for donations from the givers towards his campaign.

He aims to raise £1,600 to buy a mango plantation through Oxfam Unwrapped – Oxfam’s alternative gift service, giving struggling farmers the opportunity to own a mango plantation and have their fruits Fairtrade certified, providing an income and the dignity of supporting themselves and their families.

By distributing posters and leaflets around his school, Maiden Erlegh, and St Nicholas Church, Earley, where he worships he hopes others will follow his lead.

Reaction has been mixed, he says, with his parents and headteacher in full support of his plans and his younger sister and others willing to make some sacrifices: ‘I don’t expect other people to give up all their presents. Even one will make a difference.’

He says the campaign is a result of something that he has been thinking about for a few years: ‘I’d thought for a while about how we waste so much as a country when there are others out there who struggle to get the absolute basics for life.

‘After talking with a friend about  over-commercialisation at Christmas and loss of the real meaning, I decided I wanted to help in some way.’

Adam is already planning a fun finale for his fundraisers at St Nicholas Church, Earley, at 3pm on 8 January.
To take part in Adam’s campaign you can find the sponsor form on www.nopresents-nopoverty.org.uk or email adamtyndall@arsenalfc.net