LEONA LEWIS today backs Fabulous campaign Baby, Bank On Us – urging any Sun readers who can volunteer to “just do it”.
Singer Leona, 38, was “incredibly moved” as she met struggling mums and tots at the Hackney Family Centre in East London, where she grew up.
The former X Factor winner — who became a mum to daughter Carmel Allegra in August, her first child with choreographer husband Dennis Jauch — visited the volunteer-led hub, one of Britain’s 200 baby banks which provide essentials such as nappies, toys and clothes from newborns to kids up to five.
Leona joins a host of celebrities and royals backing our campaign, including Kate Middleton.
She said: “I’m so happy to be part of this. It’s a crucial time because the cost of living is insane — everything is going up, but people are earning the same so it’s getting harder to survive.
From tongue scraping to saying no, here are 12 health trends to try in 2023
“We need to get the message out there that this is a resource for parents and they can access help.”
Leona told staff how she was “one of the lucky ones” growing up, but the community would always rally around those less fortunate — something she is now passionate about encouraging others to do.
She said: “I saw the struggle. There were people around us, and some members of my family, that we had to help and support — helping with money, buying a washing machine, just supporting each other.”
While she mainly now lives in LA, Leona says east London will always be “close to my heart” as she was raised by her dad Joe, who worked with youth offenders, and by her social worker mum Maria on a housing estate close to the Hackney Family Centre.
She added: “I’ve seen it, I’m around it, I’m not just someone who’s coming in from afar. My parents were always, ‘What can we do to help?’
"Dad [who helps out twice a week at a food bank] comes home and says, ‘We need more hands’, and if you can be reliable and consistent that’s so helpful especially if it’s from within the local area.
"So I would say to anyone that can volunteer their time, then just do it.”
Baby, Bank On Us — launched by Fabulous last month in partnership with Save The Children, Little Village and UK baby banks — urges readers to give cash, supplies and their time.
The campaign has since been backed by the Princess of Wales, who said she is “very proud” to support it, as well as by Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England.
Singers Peter Andre and Aston Merrygold, Virgin Radio breakfast host Chris Evans, former Strictly dancers James Jordan and Janette Manrara, Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Love Island star Laura Anderson are all on board, too.
How to de-clutter if you have a beauty stash to last you a lifetime
Dad-of-four Peter, 50, told us: “I’m saddened to hear that there’s parents out there struggling to buy basics for their kids because of the cost-of-living crisis.
"I urge anyone who can to get involved with Fabulous’s campaign. It’ll make a huge difference, anything you can give.”
New mum Jorgie, 35, who gave birth to son Forest last November, has donated some clothes he has outgrown.
She said: “Forest is growing so quickly and there’s stuff we just don’t need any more.
"Some of his clothes even look brand new still, and I wanted them to go to a family who needs them.
“That’s why I’m supporting the Fabulous Baby, Bank On Us campaign with a donation to my local baby bank.
“It’s such a difficult time for many families right now, especially those with young children.
“Childcare costs are at an all-time high and you really don’t know what a huge difference your unwanted things could make to a family in need.
“If you find yourself with items you no longer need then find your local baby bank and donate if you can.”
JLS star and dad-of-two Aston, 35, who is married to dancer Sarah Richards, says: “Sarah and I are proud to support Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us campaign with a donation to our local bank.
"We hope these items will help a family in need and bring them joy during a difficult time.
“We urge everyone who can to donate because it could really make a huge difference.”
Moses basket
Meanwhile Leona adds that becoming a mother has “opened up a new level of empathy, love and compassion” in her, and she became emotional as she heard how the support centre had helped new mum Camilla, 22, and her eight-year-old son Taylor.
She said: “Camilla told me she received a package from them and literally cried, as she didn’t know where she was going to get this stuff from.
"She got a Moses basket, a little rocker, but also things you don’t even realise you need like breast pads and feminine products. I could see how much it meant to her.”
Camilla told Fabulous: "The baby bank is a lifeline for families who are going through a hard time. It is an incredibly warm and inviting place to visit and, for many, it is the heart of the community."
Little Village chief Sophie Livingstone said: “Leona has seen first-hand the incredible work baby banks do and what a lifeline they are for struggling families in local communities.
“But they need volunteers and donations to keep running.
"To Sun readers, I would say contribute to the campaign in any small way you can. If we all chip in it will make a huge difference.”
- The Hackney Family Centre is a partnership between The Guinness Partnership, Fusion 21, Little Village, Sal’s Shoes and Boiler House Spaces. *Names have been changed
Pampers
NICOLE HALLAK, brand director for nappies firm Pampers UK, says: “Pampers has a long history of working together with our charity partners to ensure no baby goes without essential baby care products.
“And right now it’s more important than ever to help get nappies and other vital products into the hands of those who need them most.
“That’s why we are proud to support The Sun’s Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us appeal.
“For over 60 years Pampers’ pledge has always been to support all babies, and those who care for them, to help make their world better.
“And through the nationwide donation of our high-quality, locally made products that parents love and trust, we are fulfilling our promise to build a better world for babies of today and tomorrow.”
Bramley
SKIN and hair wash company Bramley donated 200 bottles of Little B Hair and Body Wash.
Brand founder Chloe Luxton says: “We are delighted to be able to donate some Little B products for Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us campaign, in partnership with Save the Children.
“We know that so many families will benefit from this campaign and it will take a little strain off those struggling with the current cost-of- living crisis.”
The Cheeky Panda
SUSTAINABLE toilet tissue brand The Cheeky Panda has donated generously to the campaign.
Julie Chen is CEO of the firm which has donated 1,056 packs of bamboo baby wipes, worth more than £3,100.
She says: “We at The Cheeky Panda are proud to support the Fabulous Baby, Bank On Us campaign, in partnership with Save The Children, with donations of our sustainable bamboo baby wipes.
“As a mum myself, to my little boy, it’s heartbreaking that 27 per cent of mums in your survey are rationing nappies and baby wipes.
“It means a lot to us to support the vital work that the baby banks are doing in communities around the UK.”
Tesco
SUPERMARKET Tesco is also backing Fabulous’ Baby, Bank On Us campaign.
Jason Tarry, UK and ROI CEO of the retailer, commented: “We know that right now some families are really struggling to afford even the basic items they need for their children.
“Every child deserves the best possible start in life and baby banks are playing a vital role in helping families who desperately need help.
“I hope that our support for Fabulous’ Baby, Bank on Us campaign will help Save the Children continue their amazing work and provide the support and essential items they need for communities.”
The Entertainer
THE Entertainer, the UK’s largest independent toy retailer, is delighted to be helping out.
Gary Grant, founder and executive chairman of the company, added: “We are proud to be supporting the Fabulous Baby, Bank On Us campaign, which will positively impact the lives of so many families in need.
“With the cost-of-living crisis impacting millions of families across the UK, the campaign in partnership with Save The Children, will ensure communities who are struggling, receive the support they need and we would encourage those who can, to get involved.”
