Discover East
Our philosophy at EAST has always been to support those special to us. That's why we actively support a number of charities and there are two charities that we have special relationships with.
DISHA
The Disha centre was the first of its kind for the education and development of children with disabilities in Rajasthan, India. It is very close to where the Anokhi Farm is based, and many of the children and young adults who DISHA has helped or is helping are related to the craftspeople who produce EAST products. We've seen firsthand, the real difference that this organisation can make to the lives of those it touches. So we felt inspired to choose DISHA as one of the charities that we will continue to support now and in the future.
DISHA was founded in 1995 with the mission to create a society in which people with disabilities are given equal opportunities and to maximise their potential. This is achieved by providing a stimulating programme of support, training and rehabilitation for children and young people with multiple disabilities. The Disha centre helps the students it works with to become self sufficient and self reliant adults.
EAST have been involved with DISHA since September 2000. We've chosen to show our support by donating funds for the charity to use in whatever way they feel is most needed. Our donations significantly contributed to the centre moving into a much bigger building in 2004 and we've helped to fund a number of children to become self reliant adults.
You can read more about DISHA at www.dishafoundation.org.
TICT
The Textile Industry Children's Trust (TICT) is a charity closer to home. Its roots stem from over 150 years ago, supporting the education and welfare of children whose parents have worked or do work in fashion, textile manufacturing and retail in the UK. Today, TICT provides education and welfare grants textile workers children when there is a case of need.
TICT helps to pay for children's education if their parents suffer financial hardship through a dramatic change in family circumstances. For example, it paid the school fees of a girl who lost her mother to a sudden brain haemorage. TICT also funds places at specialist schools for special needs children and helps to nurture those who are gifted. It also awards hardship grants for specialist equipment such as a specialist computer for a blind girl with cerebal palsy and an electric bed to give mobility to a boy suffering from muscular dystrophy.
This amazing charity is making such a positive difference to young lives. As TICT works exclusively supporting children in the fashion industry - the same industry that EAST works in - we feel a responsibility to encourage and support their work. We made a donation in August 2010 to support the re-branding of TICT and we hope that this will be the start of a long relationship with the charity.
You can learn more about TICT at www.tict.org.uk.
