The City of London Hygiene Bank and the Harris Federation are working in partnership to bring personal care products to the students in our academies
We are pleased and excited to be working with the City of London Hygiene Bank, part of the National Hygiene Bank, a charitable initiative which collects the kinds of items everyone needs for their personal care and distributes them to people in need.
Just before the Christmas holidays began, a time that can bring added financial stress to already struggling families, the charity delivered truckloads of items such as body wash, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo and conditioner to our academies. The products also included a variety of gift sets by Lynx, Dove and Radox, which brought festive joy to our students. These all came from a mixture of brand partnerships with The Hygiene Bank head office and donations made by individuals and corporates in the City.
The City of London Hygiene Bank is run by the Revd Nick Mottershead from Holy Sepulchre London, the National Musicians' Church which is in the heart of the City of London. Nick also works as a CFO in a FinTech in the City and uses his networks and experience to bring to life to his goal of ending hygiene poverty in London and in encouraging a more generous culture.
Nick commented that "it is disappointing that in one of the richest cities in the world we have so many people making difficult choices about food, hygiene and heating but I look forward to working with you all to ensure that all your families can have access to personal hygiene products".
Here’s what some of our Principals had to say after receiving their first deliveries from the City of London Hygiene Bank:
“These donations have been so well received by our families who are extremely grateful. It’s been lovely to see the joy these donations have bough to so many. It’s been wonderful to help spread some festive joy to our families at this time of year.” Harris Academy Clapham
“We serve a largely deprived ward in the borough of Bromley and we have high numbers of disadvantaged students at the academy. We know that for many families Christmas can be a very stressful and expensive time and we are hugely grateful to have been helped by the City of London Hygiene Bank.” Harris Academy Orpington
“I just wanted to express my sincere thanks on behalf of Harris Academy Peckham for the fantastic products and gifts that you have sent through to our families. They are so grateful, and they are thankful for your care, time and attention. We all are. This initiative has made such a difference to our community.” Harris Academy Peckham
With our academies predominantly located in areas of economic disadvantage, we are grateful to be at the start of an ongoing partnership with the City of London Hygiene Bank and know their donations will make a huge difference to the health and wellbeing of our students and their families.