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Put the wonder into winter

In one of the wealthiest cities in the world, over 700,000 children face a winter without the basic essentials for warmth and safety. Only 40% of Londoners believe their city is a place where all young people can succeed, and a staggering 1 in 4 young people from low-income households feel they have little chance in life. How do we change the narrative and put the wonder into winter?

This winter, our #WinterWithoutWonder campaign shines a light on child poverty in London and showcases how we are part of the solution. Together, we can bring warmth, safety, and hope back into these children’s lives. Join us in making a difference this winter as we put the wonder into winter.

The Issue

London is one of the wealthiest cities in the world, yet 700,000 children live in poverty. As winter approaches, many face a season devoid of the basic essentials for warmth and safety. It's essential to shed light on this urgent issue, as our recent research shows that almost half of Londoners remain unaware of the true extent of child poverty around them. Here are some staggering facts that highlight the challenges these children face:

  • One in four young people in the lowest-income households feel people like them don’t have much of a chance in life. (ONS November 2023)
  • 74,000 children are homeless in London, with many families living in unsafe, insecure or unaffordable homes (Shelter 2023)
  • Almost half of Londoners (45%) don’t know the true extent of child poverty in their city. (The Childhood Trust, 2024)
  • 63% of teachers in the most deprived schools report that pupils are regularly too hungry to learn because of a lack of food. (School Food Matters May 2024)

How are we the solution?

  • Transforming Spaces: Through our Transforming Spaces programme, we create safe, comfortable spaces where children can feel warmth and security with the help of our volunteers. Transforming lives, one bedroom at a time.
  • Our London Charity Partner Network: With only a third of Londoners believing their borough is a place where all children can thrive, our charity partners are stepping up to fill the gap. We select, fund, and strengthen 135 voluntary organisations working in London, providing much-needed investment for practical interventions that are proven to improve children’s lives.

How can you get involved?

  • Donate today: Every contribution provides essentials like warm clothing, bedding, and meals to children in need, while supporting our London Charity Partners in ensuring every child has a safe, supportive winter.
  • Fundraise for us: Start a fundraiser to rally your community, workplace, or school, and make a direct impact on children’s lives.
  • Share Our Story: Spread awareness of child poverty in London by sharing our #WinterWithoutWonder campaign on social media.

Thank you

With your support, we can alleviate the impact of poverty, break the cycle of hardship, and offer a brighter future to London’s children. Help us ensure these children don’t face another winter without the essentials they need to stay safe, and warm, and experience the wonder of the season.

And thanks to our unique matched-funding model, every £1 you donate will unlock £4 of vital support for London’s children. This means your gift will go even further, helping us reach more children in need this winter.

Donate today to put wonder into a child’s winter