It’s a sad fact of life that some people don’t have enough while others have more than they need. To help redress this balance, Birkhill mum Jordan Butler set up Togs for Tots to Teens last year – a social enterprise clothing and equipment bank for Tayside.
It all started when Jordan (34) was a play development worker and she found herself helping a family by collecting items of clothing for a baby on the way.
“There wasn’t anything in Dundee that offered a service like that and I realised the level of need not just for those who needed clothes for children but also for those who wanted to donate their surplus children’s goods,” she explains.
Togs for Tots to Teens’ ethos is to provide aid to families struggling to afford the essentials needed – after food and fuel – to raise children with healthy bodies and minds.
Jordan, mum to Ella (5) and Isaac (3), explains: “Our aim is that no child goes without our ‘five to thrive’ and that means providing weather appropriate clothing; well-fitting shoes; a comfortable bed with bedding; equipment and toys for cognitive and physical development, and experiences that promote the development of strong family and social bonds.
“I wanted to use the ‘kindness’ element to challenge social attitudes. As well as helping with practical things, I wanted to illustrate how some people live and how they got there – showing that it can happen to anyone,” she says.
In the past year Togs for Tots to Teens has helped more than 650 children in Tayside.
“Dundee has been ‘the city of kindness’ this past year and I’m truly proud to live here,” says Jordan.
Chris Wilson, who works at V&A Museum of Design Dundee, volunteers as a director for Togs for Tots to Teens and says: “Like many other people in Dundee, I wanted to get involved. I was blown away by how hardworking the small team of volunteers were, and it was amazing to see what a real difference they – and people in the community – were making to so many lives.
“If you can help those in greatest need, through volunteering or donating, please get in touch.”
Did you know?
Since Togs for Tots to Teens started last April they’ve provided more than 550 ‘week-long wardrobes’; hundreds of baby items, including nappies and feeding equipment; 100 toy packages; 80 cots and beds; 60 Moses baskets; 75 high chairs; 50 stair gates.
They now have six regular volunteers.
Togs for Tots to Teens hopes to shortly move into new premises with a donation centre, activity area and shop.
In the future they hope to offer a programme of activities, parties and events to enable people to give vulnerable children all-important experiences as well as goods.
Togs for Tots to Teens hopes to forge strong links with council and third sector organisations to reach more children.
The business is a Community Interest Company – a social enterprise that wants to use its profits and assets for the public good.
Dundee-based research scientist Dr Suzanne Zeedyk, famous for her connected baby theory (babies’ innate ability to communicate), has praised Togs for “their aim to create kindness and reduce blame – and all the while supporting families to raise children.”
