A unit of Oxfam International that operates worldwide, Oxfam-Québec has a major need to build awareness in the Québec market where it has done little to publicize itself in recent years, other than through specific timed activities.

Oxfam, whose long-term goal is to eradicate poverty worldwide, works on a broad range of issues, including trade, conflict, debt and aid, and education. In addition to working in humanitarian disaster or emergency situations, it does research and lobbies for change of international policies and practices in ways to ensure that poor people have the rights and opportunities they need to improve and control their lives. Oxfam-Québec also wants to enable and motivate people to play an active part in the movement for change.

“There are so many problems that contribute to poverty: wars, AIDS and other diseases, one billion people with non-drinkable water,” says Marquis Giguère, fundraising director for Oxfam-Québec. “We need to have a concise strategic orientation, to build awareness of everything we do and to merit the confidence of people in Québec. DesArts will help us focus on the main message and on transparency.”

DesArts has already worked on a special fundraising Web site for Oxfam-Québec at www.changezlafacedumonde.org where, for a donation of $5 or more, the face of the giver can be posted into a map mosaic, showing that he/she is helping to change the world. Changing the world is Oxfam’s overall aim. That Oxfam-Québec theme of ‘Changing the Face of the World’ falls under Oxfam International’s 2007-2012 Strategic Plan of ‘Demanding Justice’. The Strategic Plan outlines the joint work of all Oxfam members working with its partners and allies.

“DesArts is knowledgeable, creative and highly strategic,” says Giguère. “We have confidence that it will develop an overall strategy to reach people and to talk about everything we do.”

Raymonde Lavoie, partner, director-strategy and creative at DesArts, says, “Developing a strategic and communications plan is always a challenge that we get into with gusto, and it’s even more rewarding when applied to a cause like Oxfam, because we know tangible good will come out of our efforts.”