Fabulous fairies solve uniform woes
A COMMUNITY group which collects and recycles pre-loved school uniforms to families in need has been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
The Uniform Fairy was the idea of Thurnscoe mum-of-two Vikki Rowlands and was set up at the beginning of last year’s school summer holidays.
“I went to the supermarket and bought non-branded uniform for my then eight-year-old and without including shoes or a winter coat, it came to over
£70. I couldn’t justify the cost of logo-branded stuff but even without that it was expensive,” said Vikki.
“It got me thinking because, due to the schools being closed during the pandemic, I had a drawer full of like-new uniform that my kids had outgrown and barely worn.”
Vikki posted on her Facebook page asking if her friends would give her any old uniform to repair and recycle and The Uniform Fairy was born.
Assisted by ‘head fairy’ Gemma Foster, in the last 12 months, 126 families have been supported with 325 children from across 20 different Barnsley schools have received uniforms and that number is growing day on day during the school holidays.
Vikki and Gemma spend a considerable amount of time collecting, washing and distributing pre-loved uniforms.
“We have had a lot of support and facilities have been really good, allowing us to set up our uniform giveaways and when mine and Gemma’s houses started to be overrun with uniforms, the Salvation Army in Goldthorpe offered us storage facilities and we are now based there all the time although we still do giveaways elsewhere. Station House at Thurnscoe have also helped us a lot,” said Vikki.
The project runs all year with winter coats, warm shoes and hats and scarves being available later in the year and the group also tackles period poverty and distributes other items.
“When families come to get their uniforms, we make sure they have what they need but then we’ll put sanitary products in the bag if appropriate as well as toothpaste and a toothbrush and any other items we have had donated at the time, like pencils and rulers or lunchboxes,” said Vikki.
The nomination for the Community Group category in the Proud of Barnsley Awards said:
“Vikki has children with very challenging needs and is currently studying, yet still finds the time to help other families. She saw first hand the considerable rise in cost of uniforms and works tirelessly to do her bit to help others that are struggling.
“This project meets our 2030 ambition of a more sustainable Barnsley and reduces risk of items going to landfill. They both deserves recognition that in their own times of a financial struggle, they’ve found the strength to help and support a remarkable amount of other families through this innovative project. It’s amazing what they do!”
Vikki added: “It’s really rewarding, myself and my two sons were shielding during Covid and I couldn’t help others so I see this as my way to give back.
“The best thing is when kids come in and they choose their uniform and then start looking through coats or trying on shoes and find something that they love.”