Rosamond vows to live without her shopping for one year

Rosamond Bennett, CEO of Christian Aid Ireland, has vowed to only buy five essential items until September 2014; shampoo, shower gel, moisturiser, toothpaste and deodorant.

When Rosamond’s five items run out she will only replace them with the cheapest available option.

But it is not just beauty products and accessories Rosamond is living without.

She is not buying any new clothes, shoes, books, jewellery, handbags or other gadgets; nor will she allow others to buy these things for her.

Any money she would have spent on these items will instead be donated to Christian Aid projects aimed at supporting women.

Rosamond, who is now living in Islandmagee and is an Elder in Whitehead Presbyterian Church, was inspired after meeting some of the women Christian Aid workers in India, Ghana, Rwanda and Burundi.

She said: “I want to show respect for these women who are making the most of the little they have, always putting their families’ wellbeing before their own and striving to create a better future for their children.

“I am hoping this challenge will help me understand, albeit in a small way, how it feels to not have the resources to buy those things that make you feel better as a woman.”

Rosamon, who is married to Karl and has three children, said she is passionate about spreading the word on the work of Christian Aid.

Speaking last year when she was poointed to the position, Rosamond said, “I feel very passionately about the aims and values of Christian Aid and I want to make sure that as many people as possible in Ireland have the opportunity to get to know more about what we do and how we can work together to help eradicate poverty. I feel very privileged to be offered this opportunity.”

Until last year she was Head of Corporate Communications at the NorthernBank in Northern Ireland. Prior to this she was Head of Marketing for both Northern and National Irish Bank, with an allIreland responsibility. Ms Bennett succeeds Margaret Boden, who retired as Christian Aid Ireland’s Chief Executive last April following nearly 50 years of involvement with Christian Aid.

Rosamond is sharing her experiences on twitter @rosamondbennett and on her blog; rosamondbennett.wordpress.com

Donations can be made to www.justgiving.com/Rosamond-Bennett