Throughout September and October, the BBC ran a Make a Difference campaign called ‘Kit Out the Nation’. This was following the Department for Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee report in July 2021 that showed 100,000 fewer children met the recommended level of activity in 2020 than in 2019. The aim of the campaign was “to get kit and sports equipment to the schools and clubs where a young person can use it” and improve access to sports for children who cannot afford kit. They were asking for good condition sports kit and equipment that is not being used, or would otherwise go to landfill.
We embroider a lot of clothing at Gilt Edged, including sports kits for local clubs and schools. This means that we accummulate samples and other pieces of clothing that we cannot use. We were delighted to get involved with this campaign and donate items of sports kit, finding a way to put them to use and help people in need. All while extending the life of the clothes and helping the environment too!
Many local organisations and sports clubs got involved, including Northamptonshire Sport, Northampton Town FC Community Trust and the Northampton Saints Foundation.
Magda and Matt dropped off our donations to the Northampton Saints shop at Franklin’s Gardens.
The campaign was a success, with the BBC reporting over 33,000 pieces of kit donated throughout the country! It’s great to know our donations will help kids access sport and exercise. They are no longer looking for donations to the cause, but you can get involved with other Make a Difference campaigns here.
