Help end clothing poverty for UK schoolchildren

We need you to help end clothing poverty in UK schools and make sure every child can get outdoors, whatever the weather.

Make a donation here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/end-clothing-poverty-for-uk-schoolchildren

Give a child the gift of outdoor play this Christmas

Give your loved ones a special gift this Christmas and make a donation in their name. Donate a pair of wellies, a waterproof coat, or head to toe waterproofs and give everyone a warm feeling that will last longer than the festive period.

Download our Christmas gift certificate when you donate to send to friends and family: https://outdoorclassroomday.org.uk/resource/clothing-poverty-crowdfunder-gift-certificate/

Why getting outdoors is crucial for every child

Getting outdoors is critical to children’s physical and mental health, making it an important tool to counteract the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our youngest citizens.

When teachers take classes outdoors they report some powerful impacts: Children are naturally more active, their mood improves, and they are excited to learn. When adults think back to their own happiest memories of childhood, they frequently recall the joy of playing outdoors. Play is not only central to children’s enjoyment of childhood, but teaches critical life skills such as problem-solving, creativity and resilience.

That’s why the Outdoor Classroom Day movement, led in the UK and Ireland by ourselves at Learning through Landscapes with Semble, advocates for time outdoors every day for every child.

Getting outdoors is more important now than ever

Over 90% of teachers worldwide say that everyday access to the outdoors is more important to children during the pandemic.

As a nation, we embraced the outdoors earlier in the year as the pandemic hit UK shores and the science told us we’re less likely to spread COVID-19 in open spaces. Making sure children can spend time outdoors this winter – playing, learning, exploring – is not only safer, but will provide some normality in a world that is confusing and unsettling.

Clothing poverty is stopping children from getting outdoors

The majority of UK teachers think that schools would go outdoors more if children had appropriate clothing. But, with 4.2 million children living in poverty and tight school budgets, parents and schools often can’t afford high-quality clothing to keep children warm and dry.

You can help end clothing poverty for UK schoolchildren

We want to deliver at least 1,000 sets of waterproof jackets, trousers and wellies to the schools and children who need them the most. To achieve this goal, we have partnered with Muddy Puddles, who are very generously offering a 50% discount on all clothing. So every penny you donate will go further!

By sourcing high-quality wet weather clothing, we will ensure that successful schools can set up a clothing library. So 1,000 outfits could be used for as many as 5,000 children over five years.

Donate now: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/end-clothing-poverty-for-uk-schoolchildren