The Waterproof and Wellies project wants help to provide kits to get Rotherham kids outdoors

The Waterproof and Wellies Project aims to raise £5 million to provide state primary schools with waterproof clothing and wellington boots to help children to learn about and enjoy the outdoors.

The project has so far seen 140 schools across the UK receive outdoor kits, including in Sheffield and Barnsley.  

Gina Bradbury Fox — who co-founded The Outdoor Guide online hub with her sister, television presenter and outdoor enthusiast Julia Bradbury — wants to reach schools and pupils across Rotherham and is calling on the borough’s businesses to help.

She said: “A third of children do not have the basics to go outdoors.

“Some of the teachers we see say some pupils don’t get the chance to go in the playground because they don’t even have a coat.

“We have this problem of government figures showing more than 20,000 primary schools in which a number of families haven’t got easy access to the right gear to enjoy the outdoors.

“That lack of access is a real barrier for children engaging in outdoor learning.

“Children from deprived areas and inner city schools need to go on trips out to farms and it’s not practical for them to wear school shoes.

“That’s how we tackle situations where you ask children where meat comes from and they say ‘Asda’.

“Waterproof and Wellies aims to democratise access to the great outdoors so all kids can join their classmates for fun, fresh air and adventures in nature.”

As well as commercial sponsors, businesses and philanthropists have funded kits for more than 120 schools across the country.

“The donations have made a real difference already with more children now being able to access the outdoor space in all weathers than before,” said Gina.

“A donation of £250 will buy and deliver ten complete kits to a school, and £1,000 supplies 40 kits so we want to hear from businesses small and large who will receive a certificate to show they are helping young pupils in their local community get out across Rotherham and the Dearne Valley.”   

Businesses interested in getting involved in Waterproof and Wellies should email Gina at [email protected] or call 0203 393 5084.