Words by Witton Lodge Community Association
Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) were thrilled and privileged to support a wonderful school uniform giveaway which has given local families a timely boost ahead of the new academic year.
Kingstanding Police Constable, Faye Purcell, came up with the fantastic idea of kitting out primary school children, while sitting in her garden three weeks ago!
Community collaboration
More than 40 families have benefited from the Back-To-School initiative which was delivered in partnership with Vision 4 All, Perry Common Community Watch, and Remmer Restaurants (McDonald’s).
“A few weeks ago I was on leave, just sat in my garden and thinking to myself, what can I do to give something back to the local community,” said Faye.
“Then the school uniform idea just popped into my head and I felt it was something that could be achieved. I made a couple of phone calls to see if people would be interested in supporting the idea and lo-and-behold here we are, three weeks later, giving families and their children a real boost. It’s fantastic.”
An appeal was put out to Erdington families with children aged from five-to-11 years inviting them to claim free school essentials including uniform, stationary, pencil cases and bags.
Within 24-hours of the project being posted on social media all the had been claimed; issued to parents on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Families benefit
Two sessions, one held at Witton Lakes Eco Hub and the other at the McDonald’s restaurant on College Road in Kingstanding gave families the chance to collect their items.
Franchise Manager at McDonald’s Nikki Remmer, said: “It’s been really wonderful to support families in the local community in this way.
“As soon as we heard about the project we wanted to get involved.”
The uniforms were donated by Vision 4 All.
Founder of B Major CIC, Bianca-Jade Adeniran, said: “This was the group’s second annual school uniform giveaway which is an amazing initiative, especially in these times that are challenging for so many families.”
For more on Witton Lodge Community Association, visit www.wittonlodge.org.uk
Witton Lodge Community Association is a leading partner in the Erdington Local COMMUNITY ANCHORS programme, supporting independent local and community journalism.
