OREANDA-NEWS. Heathrow, the UK's hub airport, and Oxfam, one of the world's leading organisations working to overcome global poverty today announce a major new partnership which will see more than GBP 1.6m donated through fundraising, goods and services over the next three years.

30 passenger coin collection points situated across all five terminals will raise an estimated GBP 150,000 a year with a further GBP 360,000 a year committed through donated advertising space, making it Heathrow's most significant long-term partnership to date. The partnership is also a unique opportunity for Oxfam to interact with a diverse international audience. Plans are under way to create innovative passenger experiences within the airport to engage and inspire the 70 million people who arrive and depart from Heathrow each year to support Oxfam.

Heathrow's staff will be raising money throughout the year with a programme of on-going activities, ranging from an annual ball to marathons, all of which are designed to work with local communities. The overall partnership will increase Oxfam's annual income from UK corporate partners by an impressive 10%.

This significant new partnership comes at a time when charities are experiencing challenging times for fundraising, despite signs of moderate economic growth. The Office of National Statistics recently reported that donations to charity fell by 20% during 2011/2012, and a study commissioned by the Charities Aid Foundation and the National Council for Voluntary Organisations found the proportion of people donating to charitable causes fell by three per cent over the same period. Now more than ever, charities are recognising the value that corporate partnerships can bring - both as a means to raise awareness of their cause and as a way to bring in much needed funds.

Clare Harbord, Communications Director at Heathrow, said;

'With connections to 184 destinations across the globe and over 80% of the country's flights operating from the airport, Heathrow has both the size and scale to support the drive for change with a charity which shares our belief in the value of a global community.

'We hope our collaboration with Oxfam will raise much-needed funds but also engage with new audiences, provide opportunities to inspire people to support Oxfam in the long term, and helping them deliver lasting change. We take our Corporate Social Responsibility seriously - rather than simply writing a cheque we want to build an on-going partnership with Oxfam which continues to deliver tangible benefits to communities across the world.'

Andrew Barton, Fundraising Director at Oxfam, said:

'Partnering with Heathrow offers fantastic opportunities for Oxfam. As well as helping us raise vital funds for our work overcoming poverty worldwide, a presence at Heathrow enables us to convey the Oxfam message to a truly diverse audience; from business people to families and international travellers.

'The funds will make a huge difference to the lives of people living in poverty globally. For example, GBP 350,000 means Oxfam can provide life-saving clean water to 25,000 people living in drought prone areas of Kenya, while GBP 215,000 can improve the quality of vital education for 60,000 children in Pakistan.'