Town is most generous

Their generosity has paid for safe drinking water for thousands of people, fed families, trained teachers and educated children and provided farming tools and even goats.

Leamington was beaten only by cities Oxford and Cambridge in the charity’s list of the most generous towns and last week received a visit from Oxfam Unwrapped’s mascot Archie the Goat.

Leamington mayor Cllr Alan Wilkinson said: “We’re very proud of Leamington’s generosity. It’s pleasing but not surprising, as we’ve always had that tradition of international awareness. Local businesses and communities have been very supportive.”

Warwick District Council chairman Cllr Felicity Bunker added: “In this ecomonic climate, it’s humbling to know that the community contributes in such a way.”

The Oxfam shop in Warwick Street is the third that manager Thomas Gibbs has run. He said: “I’ve really noticed the generosity here. Leamington is an affluent town and the contributions are great.”

He added: “Oxfam ensures that by working with local governments in countries it helps, the aid is tangible and you can really see the difference. It’s not only giving the support but sticking around to make sure it develops independently as well.”