Rubies is donating over 50,000 units of stock for the Children’s Society’s shops to sell, in order to raise funds to help the charity offer support to some of the country’s most vulnerable young people.
The Children’s Society runs local services supporting children including those suffering neglect, abuse and exploitation, those who go missing, those in care, those struggling with wellbeing and mental health and young refugees.
Children helped by the charity now include those facing new challenges following successive lockdowns in the UK, or those who have seen existing challenges and dangers made worse by the pandemic. The Children’s Society also campaigns and lobbies for changes in policies and laws to better protect children and improve their lives.
One of the biggest sources of funding for The Children’s Society is its 104 charity shops, with more due to open in Cornwall this year. The charity also has a strong online presence, running an eBay shop, in partnership with Parcelforce. However lockdown forced the organisation to close its shops, leading to a loss of around £1 million every month of vital income.
With its costume donation, Rubies is helping the charity to generate much-needed income and continue to provide support to thousands of children and young people each year.
Donna Joyce, head of UK retail sales and business development at Rubies, commented: “We understand that as the world’s leading costume manufacturer two of our core audiences are children and parents, and we want to help those who have been left negatively affected by the pandemic.
“From abuse and neglect to isolation and poverty, the sad reality is that there are too many children not living a safe and fulfilling life. As a business, it is our responsibility to help society, and by donating our stock, we know the funds raised will go towards vital help that will change young people’s lives.”
Mark Russell, chief executive at The Children’s Society, added: “This is a fantastic, generous donation by Rubies and we are hugely grateful.
“Even before the pandemic, thousands of children across the country experienced really serious threats to their safety, happiness and wellbeing. Since then, they and their peers have faced unprecedented challenges life being unable to see family and friends, attend school or pursue hobbies and it’s sadly no surprise that some have been exposed to increased risks like exploitation, abuse, poverty and mental ill-health.
“This wonderful gesture will build on the amazing support our shops have received since reopening from our loyal supporters and customers, helping us to be there for children at this difficult time and give them hope of a brighter future.”
The stock Rubies is donating is from a range of licences and brands, from Star Wars, DC Comics and Paw Patrol to LOL Surprise. The costumes will be available in The Children’s Society stores, as well as on its eBay store.
