Keep children warm this winter by participating in UKFT’s Winter Prize Draw, which is raising essential funds to support families in our industry via the Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust (FTCT).

During the first 12 days of December, new prizes will be revealed thanks to generous industry donations from UKFT members and partners including Johnstons of Elgin, Sabina Savage, Mimi Berry, Failsworth, Eribé, Lochcarron, Bronte by Moon, Irregular Sleep Pattern, Joshua Ellis, Ince Umbrellas, Firehorse, Witty Point and Failsworth.

Tickets are £5 each and entrants will be able to buy tickets for their chosen item until 10pm on 17 December. The draw will take place on 18 December. Every penny raised will go to the charity.

About FTCT’s Winter Campaign

Every child deserves to experience joy this festive period, but parents across our industry are already being forced to choose between paying their bills and buying gifts for their children.

The winter brings extra financial pressure for parents. Many are already missing payments on household bills, plunging families into precarious living situations, while their children miss out on the essentials they need to thrive.

We know the difference that cosy winter bedding, warm coats and working cookers can have for children’s wellbeing, but sadly so many across our industry are already going without.

Let’s come together this holiday season and fund the essential things that kids need to keep them safe and warm this winter.

“With 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 heating on.”

Parent applying for an FTCT grant

What families are facing

• Over half of parents may resort to washing children’s school uniforms by hand, amid cost-of-living crisis.
• The cost-of-living crisis has put serious pressure on parents, forcing them to make heartbreaking decisions, like choosing whether to heat their home or feed their children.
• 12,000 parents visit FTCT’s website every year seeking information about our grants.
• More than 1 million children in UK sleep on floors or share a bed.
• 2 million UK households could be in fuel poverty from October.

The difference you could make

FTCT is hoping to raise £5,000 through the Winter appeal and UKFT is delighted to be able to contribute to that through this Prize Draw. As a small charity, the grants team are able to send funds directly to the families in need. 100% of donations go towards funding the grants.

Here’s what that could help to buy

£10 could help to buy a pair of boots to keep little feet dry this winter.
£25 could help to buy a winter duvet to keep a child warm and cosy.
£100 could pay for all the winter clothing a child needs to make sure they are prepared for the day ahead, whatever the weather may be.
£400 could pay for a new cooker and give children hot meals throughout the winter months.

Sebastian

Sarah and Sebastian’s Story

Sarah contacted FTCT when she and her son Sebastian were rehomed after being homeless. Between the deposit and carpeting the house, Sarah was struggling to furnish Sebastian’s new room and buy him new warm clothes for the winter ahead. She said..

“I heard about FTCT through my employers, John Lewis Partnership. We had finally received our lovely home and I really struggled to furnish my son’s bedroom. We had been living out of a suitcase and Sebastian needed a wardrobe to put all his clothes in and a toy chest. He really needed some warm winter clothes too. “

“I applied to the FTCT for a grant and it was simple to do and the staff are very helpful and kind. The grant helped to buy everything Sebastian needed.”

“He loves his warm clothes and picks out what he wants to wear every morning from his new wardrobe. He can now tidy away his toys himself, and he has somewhere to sit and read his books.”

How to support the appeal
Donate on via the FTCT website: Winter Campaign | Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust

Other ways to get involved

• Fundraise at your holiday party
• Take part in the UKFT Prize Draw
• Join our LinkedIn community
• Sign up to the FTCT mailing list

VISIT THE FTCT WEBSITE