The Duchess of Cambridge Brings British Retailers Together to Support Baby Banks

The Duchess of Cambridge unveiled a fantastic and much-needed project during a visit to Baby Basics in Sheffield earlier today. The effects of the pandemic have severely affected half the calendar year of fundraising staples and events for charities who rely heavily on public support. It's been particularly challenging for Baby Banks, who depend on people dropping in donations personally, including pre-loved items, gifts they don't need, etc. The Duchess revealed she was "moved to tears" by stories of families she heard during a private visit to one of Baby Basics Norfolk branches and was determined to help with their plight. Kate has brought nineteen leading British brands on board to donate over 10,000 items to over 40 Baby Banks across the UK.

The Duchess said: "Over recent months, I have heard from families who have been supported by baby banks through the most difficult of times and I have been deeply moved by their stories. Having somewhere to turn to for support is important for all families, and baby banks work every day, up and down the country, to provide immediate, tangible and practical help for parents and carers when they are most in need. Baby banks are driven by incredible volunteers, demonstrating the power of community spirit in supporting families and coming together to raise the next generation. Thanks to the generosity of the companies taking part in this initiative, baby banks across the UK will be able to support even more families through this particularly challenging time."

Upon arrival, Kate helped unpack a recent delivery, donning a Baby Basics apron and gloves.

Hello! reports:

"As she unloaded pallets and unpacked the first deliveries at the charity’s temporary distribution centre, she told volunteers: "It can get very emotional. I remember a couple of the families I met from King's Lynn and I went home and literally burst into tears, their stories were so moving. The struggles they have gone through, the bravery they have shown...in extraordinary circumstances. Helping their families through extraordinary times."

It is the first time we've seen the Duchess wearing a face mask for a public engagement. It is in accordance with recent changes regarding guidelines.

Well-known brands donating clothing, bedding and toiletries are John Lewis, the White Company, Tesco, Sainsburys, Trotters, Matalan, DHL, Frugi, Kokoso, Kit and Kan, Marks & Spencer, Mamas and Papas, Boden, Bramley, Bloom and Blossom, My Little Coco and Childs Farm. Three Baby Banks - Little Village, Baby Basics and Scotland based AberNecessities - have been chosen to benefit from the initiative.

The Standard reports:

'Kate talked at length about what the impact of Covid would be, particularly for children.

“It’s difficult for sure but there is a lot of fear about worry about when furlough ends and what it means for families,” said Miss Ross.

“But one of the positives to come out of it is the strength of communities across the UK and people wanting to help, volunteering and wanting to provide for each other. Organisations like us what to harvest that and it keep it going as much as possible.”
“It’s been wonderful during lockdown, hasn’t it,’ said the duchess, ‘about the way everyone has been busy knitting away and actually it is those small volunteering acts that everyone can contribute to that make such a difference. That inter-generational support system has been amazing. Knowing that you can make such a big difference to another family is wonderful.”'

During conversations with families and representatives of the charity, Kate heard about the value of the "currency of kindness" from Little Village founder Sophia Parker. Kate replied: "It's about finding new ways of still providing people with the support they so desperately need."

Kate heard a particularly moving story from one family. More from the Mail:

'Ali Wartty and Sahara Mrs Hamawandy, both 47, who have lively triplets San, Shan and Laveen, aged one year. The family came to the UK from Iraq seeking asylum and were given leave to remain, but with no access to public funds.

Mr Wartty, who is self employed, a managed to buy a one-bedroom, 12th floor flat from Sheffield Council, but the couple - who were initially told they were were having twins but found out about their triplets at their 20-week scan - have struggled financially, emotionally and practically with three young children.

'Hi, all of them, of course they are triplets! ' exclaimed Kate. 'Gosh they are all doing very well and sorry to intrude on your family time.' In an emotional conversation, Mrs Hamawandy told Kate how she had struggled to cope. 'I was living on the 12th floor of a block of flats and trying to cope with the three of them,' she explained.

'It must have been so stressful,' sympathised Kate. 'Is that when you sought the help Baby Basics? Is the fact that someone talked to you and someone listened to you, is that what made the difference?''

The Duchess chatted with mother's who have been supported by the charities via Zoom.

Cat Ross, CEO of Baby Basics UK, said: "We are thrilled to be part of this amazing initiative from the Duchess of Cambridge. To have the opportunity to highlight the importance of Baby Banks and the amazing service that Baby Basics Centres across the UK provide. We have never been more important than at this time when we are in the midst of a national crisis. So many more families in the UK will need support of a Baby Bank, some for the first time, and we are committed to doing all we can to support them in a way that restores dignity and values parents and their children. To have the support and donations of so many amazing brands makes our work that little bit easier and means that we can continue to ensure we can provide what is needed for every referral we receive."

It comes as beneficiary Little Village shared the results of a survey on the dramatic fallout of the pandemic on families and Baby Banks. The charity found "nearly 9 in 10 UK baby banks say that children living in poverty will go without essentials like nappies during the crisis. Child poverty was projected to rise before the pandemic, and we believe the crisis is making things much worse. Families who were on the edge of coping before the outbreak are now struggling even more due to issues like job loss, illness and caring responsibilities".

More findings from Little Village:

The majority of baby banks surveyed believe coronavirus has created more financial
difficulties for low-income families:

• 64% say families are experiencing increased food costs.
• 64% say families are experiencing a loss of income from business closures/reduced
hours.
• 59% say families are experiencing a loss of income from self-isolation, illness or
caring responsibilities.
• 55% say families are experiencing a loss of income due to delays in benefits
payments.

The social and emotional impact of coronavirus on the families that baby banks support
is evident:

• 74% say there has been an increase in mental health issues such as anxiety.
• 68% say there has been an increase in social isolation and loneliness.
• 53% point to an increase in relationship difficulties, with 42% concerned about an
increase in domestic violence.
• 38% are concerned about a negative impact on children’s mental health and
behaviour.

A video from the visit.

Kensington Palace also shared photos of the Duchess from a private visit she made earlier in the summer to Baby Basics West Norfolk, based in Dersingham, where she joined the team in packing Moses baskets. During this and subsequent visits, she met with families who revealed the lifeline the charity has provided and thus the idea to get a large number of retailers on board to donate was born.

Now, Kate's stylish look featuring familiar pieces...

The Duchess wore her 1940s-inspired Suzannah Wiggle dress. Below, Kate wearing it last year during the Wimbledon championships.

The £1,850 dress is made from Italian silk crepe and is lined throughout the bodice and skirt in lightweight silk habotai. It is described as: "A re-interpretation from our own archive. The original inspiration derives from a late 1940’s Wiggle Dress, which we have re-cut to have a skimming fit over the bodice and fluid gentle soft movement throughout the skirt hemline. The silhouette is contoured around the waist with delicate pin-tucks. Pin-tucks are also placed at the front yoke detail. The dress is designed to be an elegant tea-length. The silhouette has beautiful half sleeves with buttoned cuff. Contrasting silk covered buttons are a simple closure and a beautiful delicate feature, with the buttons working from double to single breasted down the centre front."

Laura correctly noted Kate brought back her Tabitha Simmon Dela snakeskin pumps from the 2011 Canada tour.

A closer look at Kate's earrings.

And her Daniella Draper pendant.

Kate's mask is by Amaia Kids, a brand we've seen George, Charlotte and Louis wearing on numerous occasions (with thanks to Middleton Maven). The £15 mask is described as: "Double 100% cotton layer and an extra layer of a 50gr TNT filter. Beautiful and stylish Wiltshire Liberty floral outside layer." 30% of proceeds go to NHS Charities.

In the images shared from an earlier Norfolk visit, the Duchess wore the sold-out Boden Viola dress. The crinkle viscose green dress has a tie-belt (an amazing ID by Laura).

From what we can see, it appears Kate accessorised with her Lele Sadoughi velvet headband.

And her Superga Cotu sneakers. They remain available at Nordstrom.

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Before signing off, the Duchess shared a precious, unseen photo of her grandmother, Valerie Middleton (pictured in the centre), to mark the 150th anniversary of the British Red Cross.

In a letter thanking 150 nominated staff and volunteers who will receive a special commemorative coin from the Royal Mint, the Duchess wrote about the service in her own family.

It's a wonderful project which will mean a huge amount to families all over the UK. Again, an example of the convening power the royals have and the ability to bring a number of businesses together in a short time to address a pressing need. Now Kate has established a close working relationship with Baby Basics in particular, I wouldn't be surprised to see further involvement in the future. It ties in nicely with her early years work and focus on supporting children.