Children’s clothier distributes school uniforms, accessories to pupils

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, Ruff ‘N’ Tumble, an indigenous clothing brand, recently distributed school uniforms, socks and shoes to pupils of Local Government Primary School, GRA, Ikeja during its Dress A Child Campaign via its subsidiary called I Share Cuz I Care Foundation.

The foundation, which has focused on providing basic school needs for children over the last 23-years, according to its General Manager Sales, Ada Okolie, will continue to put smiles on the faces of pupils. “We believe that education is the tool that can move a nation forward which is why we would keep contributing our quotas to the promotion of education in Nigeria,” she said.

Campaign Project Coordinator, Ebele Okpako, said the foundation is on the mission because schools had recently resumed and most parents of pupils in public schools cannot afford new uniforms for their children.

Okpako who cited the popular quote “dress how you want to be addressed further said: “Putting on tattered uniforms and looking unkempt causes segregation amongst school pupils as those who are properly dressed do not really want to associate with the ones who aren’t. But more importantly is how it could hinder excellent performance in class. These and many more, is why our foundation is going round schools, especially public schools, to give uniforms and other necessities to pupils who are less privileged” she enthused.

On the ideology behind the Dress A Child Campaign, CEO Ruff ‘N’ Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi said: “I Share Cuz I Care Foundation is targeted at making children happy through what they wear. It is about giving back to the society that produced me, the society I passed through. So because we are in the business of clothing, we decided to give school uniforms, shoes and socks to make them look good, but more importantly, feel good enough to concentrate on their studies. We believe that by doing this, we are actually building their future and making them become responsible to themselves and the society at large.

“There’s something about being well-dressed that boosts your confidence amongst your peer and everyone else.

So this is our way of helping to boost these children’s confidence and make them happy. We hope these kids grow up to be responsible leaders, as we are also teaching them how to share and care for others” she said.

Ogunlesi further said: “Some of these children do not have the privilege to shop at Ruff ‘n’ Tumble, which is why we decided to make these provisions for them. And we chose this school because it is located in the same community as our office. Last year, we did one at Adekunle Fajuyi, which was a great success just as this year’s. So we will continue to do so every year.”

She, however, advised that parents ensure to do everything possible to raise their children with values, love and care.

The Headmistress of the school, Mrs. G Aja said: “Being the first time we would experience this, we really appreciate I Share Cuz I Care Foundation for their kind gesture. Indeed this came at the right time when the students have only recently resumed school. Some parents have not got the money to buy school items like bags, shoes, and uniforms, so some of our pupils have been wearing tattered outfits. So we are grateful to the foundation.”