Getting kids outside more
It was when we read the startling statistic that prisoners spend more time outdoors for regular exercise than children that we knew we needed to act. That’s why 18 months ago we launched the Waterproofs & Wellies campaign through our charitable arm, The Outdoor Guide Foundation.
I’m sure I don’t need to extol the virtues of time spent outdoors for your physical, mental and emotional health – no doubt that like us here at Team TOG, you also like to get outdoors on a regular basis. Research has shown that for children, getting outside can increase in concentration, hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as well as self-awareness and improved sleep, which in turn leads to better behaviour.
But what is stopping kids from getting outdoors? In too many cases it’s because they don’t have the appropriate clothing or footwear to play outside in all weathers. Statistics suggest that one third of all primary school aged children in the UK are living below the poverty line. There is little money to pay for the essentials, especially now during the current cost of living crisis, let alone for outdoor kit.
Our mission is simple. We want to provide every state primary school in the country with at least ten sets of waterproof trousers, jackets and wellington boots so every child, regardless of their circumstance, has the ability to play outside.
We can’t do it on our own
We’re grateful to the support of our partners for getting behind our campaign and donating sets of waterproofs and wellies to state primary schools in their local areas.
Round of applause for Rohan
Thank you so much to the team at Rohan who have made our Waterproof & Wellies Campaign the primary benefactor of any in store fundraising activity. We’ve already received our first donation for £2,200 which will help support nearly 10 primary schools.
Cheers to Challenge the Wild
Challenge the Wild are supporting us through every outdoor event they run. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure that raises money for a good cause – check them out! Watch this space for news of some special events they’re hosting for us next year!
Nicely done Nikwax!
We’ve just received a donation from our friends at Nikwax that will provide 100 sets of waterproofs and wellies across 10 state primary schools in the South East this September – just in time for the autumn term!
Inspiring kids!
After meeting Team TOG at the National Outdoor Expo back in 2022, then aged just 6 years old, Aiden felt inspired to raise money for us by walking over 25km! Not only that – the money he raised was match funded by the organisers of the show, Raccoon Events.
How can you help too?
If you’re in a position to help support our campaign – simply follow the link below to make a donation via our Justgiving page.
Thank you from the schools we’ve been able to support so far.
