In recognition of International Women’s Day 2025, the Liberty team was given the opportunity to support the Keep Working for Change initiative founded in 2023 by Canela, one of our Liberty Worldwide partners.
This saw team members dedicate a day away from the laptop, emails and Slack to give back to a charity of our choosing that promotes diversity and/or equality in some way. The charity I chose to support and volunteer with is a fantastic organisation called Little Village.
With hubs across London, Little Village’s vision is that no baby or young child in London, regardless of socioeconomic status, grows up without essential items of clothing, books, toys and other equipment such as cots and prams.
The charity supports a diverse mix of communities living in poverty and facing hardship in really challenging circumstances be that homelessness, unemployment, low wages or domestic violence.
Families are sent to Little Village via a network of referral partners including health visitors, children’s centres and midwives, but also from faith organisations, other charities and public servants. This short video gives a glimpse into the significant positive impact that the charity has on people’s lives.
Some of the stats about the impact of Little Village are truly impressive too. As of 2023, the charity has supported 8,529 children across London, gifting:
- 23,313 toys
- 21,456 books
- 15,573 pairs of shoes
- 7,747 coats
- 1,916 cots
- 1,081 buggies
I had a fantastic day helping out at the charity’s Brent hub in Wembley. The team could not have been more helpful or more positive and the sense of camaraderie and commitment to making a positive difference was immediately clear.
Sorting through coats, pyjamas t-shirts, dresses and jumpers generously donated and recategorising the donations by age, gender and size saw the day absolutely fly by.
As I finished up, said my thank you’s and walked out I passed a big mural on the wall by the entrance with the words ‘It takes a village’ in block capitals.
This vision that it’s a community of people that share responsibility for a child’s welfare and development was a powerful thought to leave with – but I hope to come back and see it again soon!
