A WOKINGHAM.TODAY reader in her 80s was prompted by an article she read to donate to a borough school uniform campaign.
First Days children’s charity appealed this month for help to provide school uniforms for youngsters in the borough whose families are struggling financially.
The organisation held an event at Tesco Wokingham, where people could donate to the charity’s school uniform fund, and give good quality pre-loved items of school wear that their children had grown out of.
Wokingham.Today covered the event, explaining that more than 1,500 families are currently unable to afford essentials for their children, including school uniform.
One of our readers was touched by what she read.
She keenly understood the plight of youngsters unable to start secondary school in a uniform they could feel comfortable in, and wanted to help prevent others feeling the same way that she had as a child.
Emma Cantrell, CEO of First Days, explained: “New uniform is especially important for children starting their first term at secondary school.
“They need to be able to start on a level footing with all the others, with a new uniform like everyone else.”
“At the event this lady came to me with tears in her eyes.
“She had read the article, and wanted to donate to our fundraising campaign.
“She could remember being the child who didn’t have the right uniform.”
Attending a school where boys and girls wore different coloured blazers the lady wore a uniform handed down to her by her older brother.
“She told me that wearing the wrong colour made her feel different,” explained Emma, “ and not as good as the other girls.
“She said she couldn’t believe that the same thing was happening in 2023, and that children were still having to feel like that.”
Emma was able to reassure the donor that her contribution would help to prevent children going through the same experience that she had.
“This was obviously something that was cutting deep, continuein to affect this lady many decades later,” said Emma.
First Days charity is still in urgent need of donations.
“You can really make a difference,” said Emma.
“Your donation can help to avoid the pain of children not having everything they need when they start school.
“Please give, to help us avoid decades of hurt like this lady has endured.”
To contribute £5 to First Days school uniform fund, text UNIFORM to 70560, or visit: www.justgiving.com and search for schooluniform2023.
For more information log on to: www.firstdays.net
