UK
Trade charity the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) has launched its first ever winter fundraising appeal, to raise money for winter essentials for the children of UK fashion and textile workers, in a climate of growing need from working parents. The Trust, which provides grants for essential children’s items, is already hearing from industry parents who are missing payments on household bills as a result of extra financial pressure caused by the winter season.
One parent applying for an FTCT grant said: “With the rising cost of living it's making things so hard. I feel like such a failure when my children are cold and I can't afford to put the heating on.”
Every year, more than 12,000 parents visit FTCT’s website seeking information about their grants, which can fund essential items including children’s clothing, bedroom furniture and white goods. FTCT CEO Anna Pangbourne said: “Results from a recent survey conducted by our charity show that many industry parents are being kept awake at night worrying about paying their bills and affording everything their children need.”
“We know the difference that cosy winter bedding, warm coats and working cookers can have for a child’s wellbeing, but sadly so many families across our industry are already going without.”
Launching today, the Trust hopes to raise £5,000 through the appeal, the equivalent of 200 children’s winter duvets or 50 bundles of winter clothing. Industry partners including Boden, UKFT, ACS Clothing and Johnsons have already signed up to raise funds for the appeal through workplace fundraising events.
As a small charity, the Trust sends funds directly to the families in need and 100% of donations go towards funding their grants.
Donations can be made online at ftct.org.uk or companies can also order a fundraising pack by emailing fundraising@ftct.org.uk and find out other ways to get involved.
