In October the book world came together to try to raise £1 million for Oxfam’s Syria Crisis Appeal. From the start of October you will be able to purchase books written by some of the world’s best selling authors such as Salman Rushdie and Hillary Mantel from Waterstones. The books themselves have been donated by publishers and the full retail price will go to Oxfam as a donation.
Authors come out in strong support
Ian Rankin, author of the best selling Rebus books said it was wonderful to see the bookseller Waterstones combine with publishers and authors to raise cash to fund Oxfam’s work with refugees. The phrase buy a book and save a life never rang so true. Mark Haddon another author participating in the effort said he whole heartedly supports the Waterstones Buy Books for Syria campaign and made his comments whilst visiting the Za’atari refugee camp in Jordan with Oxfam.
“With £1m our program could deliver clean water to another 150,000 people in Syria, or support to tens of thousands of people in Jordan over the next year. This help is urgently needed as the conflict in Syria shows no sign of ending.” Mark Goldring, CEO, Oxfam said.
You can help by buying a book to save a life
Waterstones put out the request for book donations and UK publishers and authors responded generously. You will be able to recognise the books that are participating in the drive because they will be stickered with ‘Buy Books for Syria’ and will be set up in special displays at all Waterstones shops.
