The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) has reintroduced its fundraising campaign to support families in the fashion and textile industry with back-to-school costs.
- The campaign targets the financial strain experienced by families due to school uniform expenses amid the cost of living crisis.
- A recent survey shows 75% of parents in the industry face extreme stress due to these expenses.
- This year’s campaign aims to raise £5,000, supporting 25 children with complete uniforms.
- The campaign, running from 1 July to 31 July, seeks the fashion industry’s collective support.
The Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT) has unveiled its second edition of the back-to-school fundraising campaign, aimed at alleviating financial pressures for families employed in the fashion and textile sectors. By focusing on essential needs such as school uniforms, study furniture, and digital resources, the initiative seeks to ease the substantial costs associated with the start of the school year.
A recent survey conducted among 54 parents working within the UK fashion and textile industry revealed alarming financial stress, with 75% of respondents reporting severe anxiety due to back-to-school expenses. Moreover, 70% of these parents find it impossible to earmark funds specifically for school-related costs. This data underscores the pressing need for targeted financial assistance initiatives like the FTCT campaign.
The current campaign is set to operate from Monday, 1 July to Wednesday, 31 July, aiming to gather £5,000. These funds will be pivotal in providing full school uniforms for 25 children, enabling them to attend school equipped for success. FTCT’s objective is to mirror the real-life experiences of families seeking support, as articulated by CEO Anna Pangbourne: “Through the campaign, we want to reflect the lived experiences of the families who approach us for support.” Pangbourne also highlighted the unjust reality that economic hardships place on children across the UK, including those in the fashion and textile industry.
The previous campaign, launched in June 2023, had an ambitious target of £10,000. It garnered significant support, notably receiving a donation of 100 school backpacks from a streetwear brand. FTCT, commemorating its 170th anniversary last year, continues to make impactful contributions, distributing over £400,000 in grants annually. Furthermore, notable achievements include raising £8,300 at a recent industry awards event and £2,800 at a sustainable fashion awards ceremony. The ongoing commitment of FTCT to support families amid financial challenges is crucial for bridging economic disparities.
The FTCT’s campaign exemplifies an essential initiative supporting the education of children in economically challenged families within the fashion industry.
