KidsBank launches vital #LovesSQUARED appeal

Local charity KidsBank Chester is appealing for help as it increases support for a growing number of families in need.

Close to 700,000 people in the UK, including 120,000 children, have been pushed into poverty by the Covid-19 economic crisis. Taking the total number of people living in poverty in the UK to more than 15 million – according to the Legatum Institute.

KidsBank Chester operates much like a foodbank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for children up to the age of 12. Families who urgently need essential equipment or clothing are referred to KidsBank by professionals such as health visitors or midwives.

Since launching in May 2019, KidsBank has helped over 1,250 children across Cheshire, Flintshire and Ellesmere Port.

Over the past year demand for its service has doubled – and the charity anticipates this to increase over the coming years with even more families urgently needing support.

KidsBank has recently signed a lease to take over larger premised at the former Loves of Chester building close to Chester City Centre and is now appealing for businesses and individuals to support their new campaign ‘LovesSQUARED with a donation of £54 per square metre towards the new space. 

All of the money raised will go towards doubling their services and the care it provides.

Founder Cathy Pettingale said: “Just like with our donations of clothing and toys, LovesSQUARED is a gift from one family to another.

“Demand has increased significantly due to the impact of COVID-19 and we anticipate the needs increasing over the coming years with even more families needing our support. 

“We are really excited about the new premises as we can help even more families across more geographical areas, and I can see it being a real hub in the local community.”

The new home of KidsBank Chester is set to open in September. Together with increased storage capacity, it will benefit from a dedicated community room providing free space for local groups to meet and the addition of much-needed services, such as school uniform and maternity wear.

If you would like to support the LovesSQUARED appeal, please donate £54 per square metre at https://kidsbankchester.com/donate-cash/ 

About KidsBank

KidsBank Chester is operated entirely by volunteers. The charity collects donations of high-quality baby and children’s items and provides these to local families in need. It operates much like is like a foodbank, but for clothes, toys and equipment for children up to the age of 12.

Families who urgently need essential equipment or clothing are referred to KidsBank by professionals like health visitors or midwives.

Pictured - Jenny McGrath [Chair of Trustees] Sarah and Stuart Love [owners of Loves of Chester] – All outside the former Loves of Chester site, soon to be KidsBank Chester’s new home.