Industry charity the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) is reporting that too many children of fashion and textile workers will face the cold this winter, as parents struggle to afford warm clothes, bedding and appliances to keep their child warm.
Throughout December, the Trust is calling on the fashion and textile industry to help raise £10,000 to provide essential items for struggling families working in the sector.
In a recent FTCT survey, 80% of industry parents expressed deep concern about keeping their children warm this winter. A further 36% said they were unable to afford the winter clothing their children need, as rising bills continue to take priority.
One parent shared: “It’s becoming harder to manage heating costs while making sure that my children stay warm throughout the colder months.”
FTCT CEO Anna Pangbourne stated: “For families already struggling to make ends meet, the winter months bring impossible choices: heating the home or buying warm clothes for their children. We believe that every child deserves warmth, safety, and comfort and through our grants and have seen first-hand how cosy bedding, warm coats, and working cookers can transform a child’s wellbeing.”
The goal of FTCT’s Winter Appeal, is to raise £10,000—to fund their family grants, which provide essential children’s items including bedding, bedroom furniture, appliances and clothing to hundreds of industry families every year. Every £25 donated can provide a family with a winter duvet while a donation of £100 provides a winter clothing bundle, directly improving a child’s wellbeing this winter.
How companies are already supporting the charity
Bedding brand Vision Linens has already pledged support, through a generous donation of 100 bedding bundles, which will be distributed to FTCT grant recipients during the cold months.
Other key partners including UKFT, Boden, Johnsons Hotel Linen, Ralph Lauren, Clean Linen, Luxury Lockstitch UK, and BTMA are creating change by supporting the campaign through fundraising events. FTCT invites more businesses to join in making a difference.
“We are really delighted with the support the textile care sector is once again showing to FTCT’s Winter Appeal,” says Pangbourne.
As a small charity, FTCT ensures 100% of donations directly to families in need. To help individuals and companies can donate online at ftct.org.uk, or request fundraising packs by emailing fundraising@ftct.org.uk.
The campaign is running from throughout December. The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust is the only organisation dedicated to supporting the children of people who work in the UK fashion and textile industry.
