Impact that reaches beyond the moment
Fashion Impact Foundation turns creativity, participation and compassion into meaningful public benefit.
Our impact can be seen in the confidence people build, the skills they develop, the opportunities they access and the practical support provided to children, young people and families.
Through our programmes, partnerships and grants, we aim to create experiences and support that continue to make a difference long after the event itself.
Children and Families Support : An Impact Story - Creating space for children to play, imagine and grow, April 2025
Fashion Impact Foundation awarded £15,818 of support to LIFE Play in Bradford, helping to create a bespoke role-play area where children and families can learn, explore and enjoy time together. The Foundation’s support included a £5,000 corporate contribution from BPI Auctions, brought into the partnership as part of the wider funding package.
The opportunity
LIFE Play provides a safe and welcoming environment in which young children can play, explore, create and grow while parents and carers remain close by. Its facilities include role-play, sensory and baby areas, together with secure outdoor space.
The new role-play area was designed to stimulate imagination and allow children to explore familiar and aspirational roles—from chefs and doctors to farmers and other characters created through play.
What the grant made possible
The Foundation’s funding helped turn the concept into a dedicated creative space within the LIFE Centre.
Through imaginative role-play, children can practise communication, express ideas and emotions, interact with others and build confidence in a safe environment. The space also allows parents and carers to participate in their children’s play and share in their learning and development.
Partnership in action
The project also demonstrates the value of connecting businesses with community organisations delivering tangible local benefit.
Fashion Impact Foundation facilitated BPI Auctions’ £5,000 contribution towards the project, forming part of the Foundation’s total £15,818 support.
The impact
The grant has contributed to a space where children can:
- explore their imagination through creative play;
- develop communication and social interaction;
- grow in confidence;
- experience different roles and ideas;
- enjoy positive time with parents and carers; and
- participate in a welcoming community environment.
LIFE Play reported that the role-play area had already become popular with families and that children were growing in confidence through using the space.
Why Fashion Impact Foundation supported the project
Supporting LIFE Play reflects the Foundation’s commitment to children, families and community wellbeing.
The project combines practical support with creativity, learning and inclusion. It shows how charitable funding and corporate partnership can work together to create an accessible resource with lasting value for local families.
Testimonials: Workplace Role Model Pathway
Words from Emma P. July 2026
“As women in leadership roles, we can sometimes feel pressure to separate our professional identity from other interests. For me, being a solicitor and managing director does not mean I have to leave an appreciation of fashion at the door.
The concept of “power dressing” feels rather last century now. What matters more is finding a style that feels authentically yours and wearing it with confidence. There is something genuinely powerful about understanding who you are and feeling comfortable presenting that to the world.
What I love most about the Fashion Ball is that it celebrates individuality. Every age, shape and background is welcomed. Whilst walking a catwalk can be daunting, the laughter, friendship and support backstage quickly remind you what the event is really about.
In many ways, the Fashion Ball is not about fashion at all. It is about confidence, community and encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone.
If you have not already done so, I would encourage you to take a look at The Fashion Ball – Leeds and consider supporting the 2027 event.”
Testimonials: Creative Event Volunteer Pathway
Words from George A, .First Year Student - Events Management, July 2026
“I had to opportunity to volunteer at the Leeds FB Fashion Ball, which was a annual black-tie gala and runway show in Leeds which involves and merges business, fashion and charity.
My role involved working behind the scenes, helping with the preparation and ensuring the event ran smoothly throughout the evening. It was an amazing experience to gain first hand experience of the amount of planning, organisation and teamwork was required to deliver a large scale event like this successfully.
As someone who enjoys attending black tie events, it was especially interesting to see everything that goes on behind the scenes. This experience has inspired me to one day organise and host a black-tie event on my own.”
Voices from our community
