Oxfam, a leading charitable organization witnessed more than 1,000 cancellations over the weekend from people who make regular donations. This is more than the standard cancellation rate of 600 per month.
The rise in the number of sexual misconduct allegations resulted in this massive number of cancellations. Oxfam got accusations that employees working in Haiti and other countries paid the weak and vulnerable people for sex.
The attempt to conceal the results of an inquiry, also confirmed the claims that in 2011 while employees were delivering aids in Haiti, they had used prostitutes.
The Charity Commission has started an investigation on Oxfam. But they denied any attempt of concealing facts.
However, Oxfam validated the statement saying that 1,270 direct debit payments were discontinued on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
A spokesperson from Oxfam said: “We are grateful for the support of people during this difficult time for Oxfam, some of whom have expressed that they are deeply saddened by the repercussions of the appalling actions of a few – they are determined that the millions of people that Oxfam helps worldwide don’t suffer as a result.”
Along with the loss of regular donations, Oxfam also lost its ambassador actress Minnie Driver as after the news became public. In a Twitter post she said: “All I can tell you about this awful revelation about Oxfam is that I am devastated.
“Devastated for the women who were used by people sent there to help them, devastated by the response of an organisation that I have been raising awareness for since I was 9 years-old.”
Also, the deputy Chief Executive Penny Lawrence resigned from her position earlier this week pertaining to the on-going scandal.