Footwear Industry Trust

30/04/2025

Susan O’Hare is not only a Trustee of Footwear Industry Trust, but also a member of the British Footwear Association and a Liveryman of Worshipful Company of Pattenmakers. Her working history includes 20 years as a buyer developing products for Marks and Spencer, as well as consulting for new and existing brand entering the footwear trade. She wanted to bring her skillset to FIT by supporting the trustees in the strategic plans for the future of the charity. Read the full article at footwearindustrytrust.org/meet-our-trustees-susan-ohare

25/04/2025

The London Marathon is a brilliant way to raise money for charities and is the world's largest annual one-day fundraising event. Since 1981 it’s raised over £1.3bn for charities, as well as the pride of accomplishing a marathon. We wanted to take this opportunity to wish those taking part the London Marathon the best of luck. We also hope all those attending and watching have a great day cheering everyone on (there’s still time to arrange a watch party in aid of FIT and to add to the fundraising too).

23/04/2025

Did you know when any Saint’s day falls during the Easter fortnight it’s moved. So according to the Church of England technically St. George’s Day should be next Monday (and St. Mark’s Day moved to next Tuesday).
Whether celebrating today or Monday we wish you a Happy St. George’s Day 🌹

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17/04/2025

Wishing everyone a wonderful Easter bank holiday. We hope the egg hunts go well for those participating 🐣 🐰

16/04/2025

Claire, Sean and their children found themselves with three big home appliances failing and no means to fix them due to debt repayments and the cost-of-living crisis. Claire had worked in the footwear retail industry for a number of years so FIT was able to step in to aid with the broken appliances and get them back on their feet.

If you or someone you know has worked in the footwear industry for five years or more and need help go to footwearindustrytrust.org/how-we-help to find out more. If you want to help people like Claire, Sean and their family, and support the work we do head over to footwearindustrytrust.org/get-involved

14/04/2025

Fundraising isn’t always straightforward and we always really appreciate every effort made. To make things a bit easier take a look at our Top 10 tips article for some fresh tips and ideas to make the most out of your fundraising event: footwearindustrytrust.org/our-top-10-fundraising-tips

03/04/2025

The Footwear Industry Trust (FIT) assists those working in the sector who have fallen on financially challenging times. Drapers is calling on businesses to help with prizes for a fundraising raffle. �Read the full article here:�

Footwear Industry Trust supports those working in all aspects of the footwear industry that are experiencing financial hardship. The organisation, established in 1836, offers grants to help with essential costs such as appliances, disability equipment or essential repairs for those working in the fo...

01/04/2025

Did you know the binding on the tip of shoelaces is called a flugelbinder?�Flugelbinders stop the threads of the lace unravelling as well as making it easier to thread laces through the eyelets on shoes.
If you haven’t realised what day it is or recognise the 1988 classic we’ve been inspired by we’re happy to let you muse along with Brian and Jordan. However they've actually been called aglets since Roman times and have a name based on an old French word for needle. Though if the name aglet doesn’t flow so well for you we’ll let you off. Happy April Fools Day.
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28/03/2025

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Mums celebrating this Sunday. We hope you have a relaxing day 💐�

25/03/2025

We wanted to share this touching thank you letter. It’s your donations, fundraising and simply spreading the word that make helping those in need possible:

“Just want to send my heartfelt thanks to the Trust for your grant. It’s been an extremely sad time having to cope with my late partner’s untimely death, but the Trust really is making the situation a little easier.”

If you or someone you know has worked in the footwear industry for five years or more and need help go to footwearindustrytrust.org/how-we-help/ to find out more. If you want to help those facing difficult times and support the work we do head over to footwearindustrytrust.org/get-involved/