The football shirt charity KitAid has reached an important milestone, as the one-millionth piece of kit has been donated to the Hemel Hempstead-based organisation for sports projects in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe.
Founded 25 years ago by Watford FC fan Derrick Williams MBE, from Hemel Hempstead, KitAid receives support from clubs across the whole football pyramid, from the Premier League to grassroots teams. The Hornets have been a leading supporter, donating thousands of items of old kit sent to inspire and encourage boys and girls across the developing world.
The charity is a 100 per cent volunteer-run organisation founded in 1998 following a visit to Tanzania by Derrick, where he spotted a young boy wearing a ragged Liverpool FC shirt. On his return, he showed a photo to local friends and they decided to fill a box with kit to send to the boy’s village of Ntalikwa in Tanzania.
It received such a good reaction that they decided to widen the collection to grassroots clubs in the Hemel Hempstead and Watford area. Twenty-five years on, the charity has over 100 volunteers and has sent over 28,500 boxes of kits donated by clubs and organisations across the UK. The late Graham Taylor OBE was Patron of KitAid from 2005 until his untimely passing in 2017.
The charity’s 25th anniversary and one-millionth milestone was celebrated at a special fundraising dinner at Vicarage Road on September 8. “I am delighted that KitAid has reached the major milestone of donating one million items of kit, in our 25th anniversary year,” said Derrick.
“It has been a tremendous effort by all of our volunteers and we could not have achieved this without the help of hundreds of clubs supporting our work. Every item of kit makes a difference, enables someone to participate in sport and brings a smile to their day.”
To mark the occasion, England manager Gareth Southgate presented a special shirt ahead of the Three Lions’ recent match against Ukraine, which has been donated to KitAid.
Debbie Hewitt MBE, Chair of the Football Association, added: “On behalf of us all at the Football Association, we congratulate KitAid in reaching your 25th Anniversary as well as the remarkable achievement of donating one million pieces of kit to countries around the world, where it is greatly needed.
“Over the years, KitAid has helped the FA to make sure that our redundant England kit is sorted, packaged and distributed and your hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us. We are proud to be associated with you and send our very best wishes and gratitude to your volunteers and supporters for the truly great work that you do.”
Due to its success, KitAid is desperately running out of storage. “If anyone has any empty storage or warehouse units in the Hemel area, we would be extremely grateful for their help,” said Derrick.
For more information, click HERE. You can also contact Derrick directly via email or call 07494 558229.
