CHRISTMAS!Here at Kids Company we're already starting to think about Christmas, in fact, we have been for a while! For many of our beneficiaries, Christmas is remembered as a time of deprivation, hunger and a date to fear. The festive season can cruelly emphasise the deprivation of some of London's most vulnerable children. We believe every child deserves a happy and warm Christmas, so this year we are making that happen with a Christmas party at the Oval Cricket Ground in London for 4,000 children and young people.
There are many ways you can help the 36,000 children and young people we support this Christmas. If you'd like to become involved, please contact Matt Tilling, a member of our fundraising team, via email: matthew.tilling@kidsco.org.uk.
KIDS COMPANY CHILDREN DESIGN JOHN LEWIS CHILDRENSWEAR
Kids Company have teamed up with John Lewis to create a new childrenswear range for ages 1-6.
Designed by children for children, the festive range of onesies, girls and boys long sleeve tops and tote bags will see 10% of the selling price going straight to back Kids Company and the children at the heart of this venture. The designs are the result of two art sessions held at a London inner-city school alongside Kids Company therapeutic practitioners. In this unique project, the John Lewis design team provided children aged 8-9, who are accessing Kids Company services, with a Christmas brief.
Clare Winspear, Childrenswear Buyer at John Lewis, said: We were delighted with the results of the workshops; the designs created by the pupils were so inspiring.
You can purchase the range online and at nine stores nationwide: Oxford Street, Peter Jones, Bluewater, Cambridge, Cribbs Causeway, Kingston, Stratford, Brent Cross & Glasgow.
THIS MONTH
LIBERTY AND KIDS COMPANY
This Christmas, Liberty will once again be stocking Kids Company's Bare Thread Label in store.
The original Hood that hugs' concept was developed by young people at Kids Company to subvert the cliched image of the hoodie', turning it into something beautiful, safe and surprising. Liberty are proud to be selling four knitted hoods that hug' designed exclusively for Liberty by Olivia, and three bird ponchos, designed by Humaira, both young people supported by Kids Company.
50% of the profit from the sale of these products will go directly to support vulnerable children and young people who have experienced enormous challenges to go on to lead positive and fulfilling lives.
SELFRIDGES AND KIDS COMPANY
Kids Company is delighted to have the incredible support of Selfridges for yet another year. The store will be selling Kids Company's own Hood That Hugs' hoodies, along with in-store buskers and donation points throughout the festive period.
RADLEY AND KIDS COMPANY
This Christmas, Radley have launched their first ever book; a re imagining of the twelve days of Christmas' tale. £2 from every copy sold will be donated to Kids Company. You can purchase this online and in store. What's more, when you visit any of the twenty one Radley stores and fourteen outlets, you can make a donation at the till to help a vulnerable child have a Christmas to remember.
COMING UP
DO IT FOR CHARITY SANTA FUN RUN'
VICTORIA PARK, EAST LONDON
8TH DECEMBER
Over 2,000 people are expected to take part in this year's annual Doitforcharity Santa Fun Run in Victoria Park with both 5 & 10k routes available.
No previous experience is required for this event and with a bit of training the 5km or 10km distances should easily be within your capabilities, and you even get your own Santa suit! The spirit of the event is taking part' not winning' so you can run, jog or walk you decide.
To sign up please see the website here or for more information please contact Suzie Curran: suzie.curran@kidsco.org.uk
DATE FOR THE DIARY
PICO ANETO - THE KIDS COMPANY PYRENEES OVERSEAS CHALLENGE
23RD - 25TH MAY 2014
Join Kids Company on our inaugural attempt to conquer the highest peak in the Pyrenees! That's a cool 3,404 metres by the way
A two-day autumnal ascent promises glorious weather and a sprinkling of snow cover on the glacier meaning ice axes, crampons and ropes will be necessary. The final ascent will begin by torchlight as we head for the gullies and then on to the eventual steep, airy traverse to the peak.
Should you require any further information, please contact Chloe Hill via email: chloe.hill@kidsco.org.uk.
PLEASE NOTE: due to the nature of this challenge places are limited so it's on a first come, first serve basis.
IN THE PRESS
PLEBGATE SCANDAL IS THE SAME AS TREATMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN LONDON'
Kids Company's David van Eeghen comments on the Plebgate' scandal. Read the article in the Huffington post here.
THANKS TO SAMSUNG!
By providing our Arches II Centre with a new Digital Classroom', Samsung have opened up the latest computing technology to young people who have not had access to it in the past. Fostering engagement, collaboration and creativity and equipped with the latest tablet devices, computers and cameras, the classroom also provides highly effective resources and training for teachers.
