Around 600 vulnerable children across Yorkshire will receive warm coats, shoes and other essential clothing to help them attend school, thanks to a £60,000 grant from the West Yorkshire Freemasons to Yorkshire Children’s Charity.
The funding will support the charity’s Warm, Dry and Ready to Learn Winter Essentials campaign, which helps disadvantaged young children access the clothing and basic necessities they need to attend school comfortably and thrive in the classroom. The grant will contribute to a wider project delivering more than 4,600 essential items to children aged five and under who are living in poverty. Items provided through the campaign include winter coats, shoes, hats, gloves and other necessities that many families are struggling to afford.
The support is expected to have a substantial impact on children’s education and wellbeing. Schools taking part in the programme report that 80 per cent have seen improved attendance after pupils received suitable clothing and footwear. By ensuring children are properly equipped for school, the scheme helps them access a more consistent education and removes practical barriers that can contribute to long-term poverty.
James Newman, Head of the Freemasons in the Province of Yorkshire West Riding said:
“I am really pleased we have been able to help the Yorkshire Children’s Charity with their life changing project giving children the basic clothing and shoes they need to attend school in the winter. This is absolutely essential, not just for staying warm in the cold weather, but also for giving them a chance to take full advantage of their education.”
Charlotte Farrington, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire Children’s Charity said:
“We’re extremely grateful to Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons for supporting our Warm, Dry, and Ready to Learn campaign. Every day, we hear heartbreaking stories from schools about children arriving in shoes that no longer fit, sleeping in coats because their homes are cold, or missing school altogether because they don’t have suitable clothing.
“Thanks to the Freemasons, hundreds of children have access to essential winter items that many of us take for granted. By providing warm coats, shoes, and other basics, we are not only helping children stay safe and healthy during the winter months, but also giving them the opportunity to attend school regularly, participate fully in learning, and build a brighter future.”
Children are referred to the programme by teachers and are identified as living in destitution under government guidelines. Many have experienced severe hardship, including homelessness, irregular access to food, living in homes without heating or electricity, and going without appropriate clothing, footwear or basic toiletries.
Demand for the Warm, Dry and Ready to Learn campaign has reached record levels. Last year, Yorkshire Children’s Charity received applications supporting almost 2,500 children from more than 1,000 families. Many of those children face additional difficulties, including homelessness, abuse, the imprisonment of a family member, serious illness, disability, bereavement or caring responsibilities at a young age.
All funding provided by the Freemasons will be spent directly on essential items for children. Over the next two years, more than 1,000 winter bundles containing coats, shoes, hats and gloves will be distributed across the region.
The grant from Yorkshire West Riding Freemasons has been awarded through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends across England and Wales.
