Oxfam | random olio

Last week I received this email from Oxfam with the subject line: “Did I leave my jacket at your place?” I could tell by the email address that it was from Oxfam, which often I just delete depending on how many emails I have to go through. I got a chuckle reading the subject line and decided that their cleverness was enough to make me read their email. An impressive marketing ploy to get their subscribers to read their messages. It makes me want to take it to the next level in my own writing (work and personal) to continue to find clever ways to give others a laugh, or make them curious about what might be inside an email. With our full inboxes, often filled mostly with junk, it is refreshing to find a message that adds a little humor.

See below for the full email from Oxfam:

Hey Tami –

It’s Aziz Ansari. And of course I didn’t leave a jacket at your place. I’ve never been to your home.

But I’m glad you opened this email, because I actually wanted to talk to you about something much more important. I want to tell you that this holiday season, you need to get a gift from OxfamGifts.com. Your gift could be exactly what someone in poverty needs to build a better future for their family.

Get your family gifts they’ll love. Instead of the usual boring gifts, why not get your mom some bees ($18)? No, not like a swarm that will attack her, I mean some bees that go to rural farmers so they can learn the latest beekeeping methods and harvest more honey from their hives. More honey means more money for families in need. That’s pretty cool, right?

And for dad, instead of a tie, get him some goats! A goat ($50) can provide fertilizer and food for families. Does a goofy tie provide fertilizer? NOPE.

Check out my video to see what’s so special about OxfamGifts.com this year and start shopping now >>

Here’s how it works:
	You purchase an item.
	You personalize a gift card.
	The card goes to your friend or loved one.
	Your donation goes to those who need it most.

What are you waiting for? See why everyone wants to give – and get – chickens, wells and other life-saving gifts this holiday season >>

You get to skip the mall, find the perfect present for everyone on your list and help people in need, all without leaving home – I’d call that a major win. Start shopping now >>

Best wishes,

Aziz Ansari