Oxfam Canada’s philatelic fundraising program will close its 30th Mail and Email Bid Sale, the firm’s largest auction in its roughly 40-year history, at the end of the month with more than 800 lots up for grabs.
Closing on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. (ET), the Oxfam Stamp Program’s upcoming sale features 801 lots with a “good variety” of bulk Canada, according to program co-ordinator Bill Woodley, plus world bulk and first-day covers and more than 380 items in the world stamps section, “so collectors should find something to add to their collection.”
“Although we are not offering as many collections and bulk lots this year, there are a number of very good ones available,” said Woodley, who referenced Lots 3, 11, 25, 30, 31, 32, 42 and 43. “Topical stamps are of increasing interest, and we have many Christmas-themed items to choose from along with interesting back-of-the-book items to peruse.”
Oxfam will also offer a “mix of goodies” in the sections for currency plus books and other publications “that are offered at reasonable prices.”
Woodley also noted collectors with an interest in Chinese New Year should see Lot 652, which offers a 2004 coin and stamp set from Canada Post to mark the Year of the Monkey.
“There is a good selection of supplies and non-philatelic items of interest and some Late Additions to check out at the end of the catalogue.
“A word of caution: unless identified as collections, they may have come from several different sources and include many inexpensive duplicates suitable only for junior collectors, or those looking for errors or varieties,” Woodley said. “We try to identify lots with duplication, and we price them low for those who enjoy hunting.”
For a printed copy of the auction catalogue or scans of lots, email Woodley at stamps@oxfam.ca. Scans are also available on the Oxfam Stamp Program’s Facebook page.
OXFAM STAMP PROGRAM
The long-running Oxfam Canada initiative raises money through auctions, mail orders and direct sales of stamps and other philatelic material.
In 2021, the program topped $500,000 in fundraising. In recent years, the program has brought in about $30,000 a year.
Woodley works with a staff of about a dozen volunteers in the Ottawa area.
People can donate stamps, covers and other philatelic material to the program’s national office:
ATTN: Oxfam Stamp Program
Oxfam Canada
39 McArthur Ave.
Ottawa ON K1L 8L7
Since April 2019, the program has been unable to issue charitable tax receipts for in-kind gifts of stamps or other philatelic material.