First launched in June 2023, FTCT’s back-to-school appeal raises funds needed to cover the costs of school uniforms, study furniture and laptops and tablets for children of families facing financial hardship amid the cost of living crisis.
A recent survey of 54 parents working within the UK fashion and textile industry who had received grants from FTCT has found that 75% of respondents reported experiencing extreme stress due to back-to-school expenses, while 70% of parents find it impossible to set aside money specifically for back-to-school expenses.
This year’s edition of FTCT’s back-to-school campaign will run from Monday, 1 July to Wednesday, 31 July, and aims to raise £5,000 through the appeal, the equivalent of a full school uniform for 25 children.
FTCT CEO Anna Pangbourne said: “Through the campaign, we want to reflect the lived experiences of the families who approach us for support.
“We can’t ignore the harsh reality that children right across the UK are being left behind at school due to economic challenges – this includes the children of colleagues within the fashion and textile sector.
“This time of year brings a significant increase in costs for parents, and the financial stress can be very intense for families in serious hardship. Throughout the campaign, the fashion and textile industry is encouraged to rally together to ease the back-to-school period for families and ensure every child has everything they need to thrive in school,” she added.
The first edition of the campaign, which aimed to raise £10,000, saw streetwear brand Just Hype donate 100 school backpacks to the charity.
FTCT, which in 2023 celebrated its 170th anniversary, since its founding in 1853, gives out over £400,000 in grants every year. The charity has raised a record £8,300 at Drapers Awards 2023 in November and £2,800 at Drapers Sustainable Fashion Awards 2024 in March.