Five Years of Families Helping Families: MerryGoRound's Milestone Anniversary

 

Press release (9 may 2025):

This month, we’re celebrating a very special milestone at MerryGoRound – five years of supporting local families in need. Since we first began in May 2020, we’ve delivered over 1,600 essential clothing bundles for free to children across Islington and beyond. Every one of those bundles represents a moment of practical help and kindness during tough times – made possible by people like you.

MerryGoRound was born in the early days of the pandemic, when our founder, Julia Maile, read in the Islington Gazette about a young boy who couldn’t go outside to play because he had no spare clothes to change into. That moment stayed with her. Along with two other local mums and a group of incredible volunteers, we decided to act – and that’s how MerryGoRound began.

Since then, we’ve been collecting donations of pre-loved children’s clothes, shoes and books from generous families in our community, and redistributing them to other families who need extra support. We work closely with local schools, social workers, midwives and other charities who refer families to us.

One of our long-time referrers, Maternity Support Worker Valerie Martin, said it best: “It always makes me and my team happy when MerryGoRound’s checkered bundles arrive at my office, ready to be delivered. I know that they’ve been selected and packaged with care, and I’ve seen the joy and relief they bring to our families.”

That care is at the heart of what we do. Every bundle is prepared with love – neatly folded clothes, shoes and carefully selected books all packaged in a re-useable bag - because we know that those thoughtful details can make all the difference.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but the need is growing. As child poverty continues to rise, our work is more important than ever. We’re committed to meeting that need and helping as many families as we can.

To mark our fifth birthday, we’re launching a Crowdfunder campaign to raise vital funds and ensure we can continue supporting local children. If you’re able to donate or share our campaign, we’d be so grateful. And if you’ve ever given us a bag of clothes, volunteered your time, referred families to us or simply cheered us on – thank you. You’ve helped make MerryGoRound what it is today.

Here’s to the next five years – and to continuing to support families, together.

Inspired to help? Here’s how you can get involved: