Build at Bain: Uniting youth through school uniforms
Build at Bain: Uniting youth through school uniforms
Build at Bain highlights the contributions of our people and their role as "builders" within the firm. Inspired by our entrepreneurial culture, we're showcasing how they develop innovative resources and ideas that drive results for our clients and communities.
Emma Southard, an executive assistant based in our London office, created the nonprofit Uniting Uniforms to help supply school uniforms to vulnerable children. Learn more about how Emma started this nonprofit while at Bain in this Q&A.
1. How did Uniting Uniforms get started? What inspired you to create it?
It all started when I got involved with a social impact project at Bain London where I read weekly to a little boy who never wore uniforms and the clothes he did wear had holes. It saddened me and I knew I had to do something to help. This is where Uniting Uniforms was born.
I set up a team at Bain the start of this year, and together, we were successful in receiving support from Bain to fund Uniting Uniforms. This enabled us to launch a pilot and provide full uniforms, PE kits, shoes, trainers, and a bag to all new starters in reception at a local school. We’ve also helped a refugee family who arrived in the UK with nothing and were worried about how they could afford school uniforms. The feedback following the pilot has been positive and parents have shared what a difference it has made to them. We’re planning how we can focus on the circular economy and getting pre-loved uniforms into the hands of vulnerable children.
2. How has Bain supported you in creating Uniting Uniforms and in your career?
A big team from the Bain London office has helped every step of the way. Executive assistants, consultants, partners, legal, and innovation and design experts were all involved, and it’s been a great way to showcase the very best of Bain coming together. It’s also provided us all with opportunities to learn new skills and work across different Bain functions and most importantly it has provided an opportunity for us to give back to the community.
If it wasn’t for Bain giving its support, we would not of been able to achieve what we have in such a short space of time. The opportunities at Bain are endless; you just have to go and find the thing that makes you fulfilled and go after it. For me, it is this charity and making a difference to those less fortunate. I’m so proud of what the team have achieved this year.
3. How can others get involved in Uniting Uniforms?
To get involved, you can send the team an email at Unitinguniforms@bain.com. Please also visit our website https://unitinguniforms.org.uk/. Thank you to everyone past and present for giving your time to this magical charity.
