For some parents and carers trying to manage increasingly tight family budgets in Croydon, there has been a small ray of kindness amid all the pressures of the cost of living crisis after a major shoe retailer donated over 41,000 pairs of children’s shoes to a national charity.
Smart boxing: Home-Start Croydon received dozens of children’s shoes
Charity Home-Start UK described the gesture from shoe retailer Russell and Bromley as “an incredible set of kindness”.
Independent estimates of the value of the donation, based on average retail prices, put it at nearly £500,000 worth of goods.
Derek Terrell from Home-Start Croydon said Inside Croydon, “The families we support are so grateful for this wonderful shoe donation. It will make such a difference.
Russell and Bromley approached the charity to ask if they would like the gift of shoes, which vary in sizes to fit children from infants to teenagers.
Vivien Waterfield, Deputy Chief Executive of Home-Start UK, said: “It’s a really difficult time for parents at the moment. Families who would otherwise struggle to afford new shoes, or need to buy on a buy-it-now arrangement, can enjoy seeing their children wearing a new pair of shoes without any worries.
“Families are already reaping the impact of this generous philanthropic gift from Russell and Bromley.”
Already, 25,000 pairs have been delivered to 16 Home-Starts across London and the South East.
A spokesperson for Russell and Bromley said: ‘We are proud of the charitable relationships we strive to nurture and are delighted to be able to help Home-Start families in this way.
Russell and Bromley have been a staple of Britain’s high streets since 1880, synonymous with expert craftsmanship and cutting-edge design, specializing in luxury shoes and handbags for men and women.
Special delivery: the Russell & Bromley van loaded with its special cargo
Last year, the brand reviewed the continuation of its children’s range and decided to donate its existing stock to a good cause.
Home-Start Croydon is one of over 180 Home-Starts across the UK, supporting parents dealing with issues such as postnatal depression, isolation, bereavement, managing twins, financial worries and physical disabilities.
Through a network of trained volunteers, families are matched with a volunteer who visits once a week for two hours to support them in any way they need – this can be as simple as holding a crying baby has colic so a mom can shower in peace, accompanying a mom to a toddler group to help her gain confidence, support the parents of a sick child in the hospital, or help her with advice on budget management.
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