Sheffield-based school uniform firm donates surplus stock to help minority communities in Romania

School Trends, based on Holbrook Enterprise Park, has been working alongside Huddersfield-based charity, the White Rose Initiative, to support families and their children in the Transylvanian city of Sighisoara and surrounding areas by donating care packages of outdated or incorrectly embroidered hats, bags and clothes.

The packages are designed to provide the disadvantaged children with uniforms and give not only the school, but each child, an identity to make them feel connected as a community.

Sales and Marketing Director, Chris Drew, recently visited Romania to see first-hand what a difference the White Rose Initiative is making.

He said: “Over the last few years we have sent thousands of items of clothing and it was inspiring to see what a difference they are making in the community. This was especially clear within the schools and after school clubs as many of the children did not previously attend.”

Whilst visiting Romania, he followed the charity to gain an insight into the impact the firm's support is making including at 7 Noiembrie School, which is situated in an area of severe deprivation without electricity and running water.

As a direct result of the support given by School Trends and the White Rose Initiative, the school went from having six pupils in 2001 to over 60, and has allowed children to connect and establish friendships across different age groups.

Attendance has also grown from 12 children to over 120 due to the support given to the families who receive aid from the children's attendance.

Chris visited several other sites while in Romania that has been supported by The White Rose Initiative including schools, an old peoples home, after school clubs and hospitals.

The original School Trends went bust in December after failing to deliver hundreds of orders worth £60,000 before the start of the 2018 school year.

Reborn from the ashes, the new firm moved to smaller premises on Holbrook Enterprise Park and in moving was able to donate desks, chairs and unwanted office furniture – items not needed due to the relocation – to help the effort in Romania.