Thursday 5 March 2026 marked World Book Day, a celebration enjoyed by children across the UK. But for some of the families charity Family Fund supports, something as simple as a costume can be an unaffordable luxury.
Family Fund is the UK’s largest grant-making charity for families raising a disabled or seriously ill child, on a low income, and when they got in touch asking Smiffys and Rubies to support them with a few costumes to help families join in the Book Day fun, the costume brands wanted to do more to help.
Donating over 100 costumes to the charity, Smiffys and Rubies ensured more children could join in the celebrations with a large selection of character favourites and accessible costumes.
Michael White, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Family Fund commented “Families with disabled and seriously ill children face higher household costs and are able to work much less due to caring needs. Thanks to the generous support of Smiffys and Rubies, families were able to apply for a special costume giveaway, to easily take part in World Book Day and dress up for the day without any late-night parent costume-making! We really enjoyed seeing all the Superheroes, Pterodactyls and Where’s Wally characters come to life on our Facebook page and had great family feedback.”
“Here at Smiffys we believe every child should have the opportunity to bring their favourite book characters to life in costume. We’re proud to work with Family Fund to help ensure the families they support were able to join in the fun this year, and celebrate the joy of reading.” Alice Smtih – Marketing Manager at Smiffys.
Ciara Loane, Marketing Manager at Rubies adds “We're so happy to have been able to provide costumes for so many children for World Book Day. We hope the donation inspired the recipients to enjoy the day and to have fun all dressed up.”
Following on from this successful campaign, Smiffys and Rubies will continue to support Family Fund’s aim that families raising disabled or seriously ill children have the same choices, quality of life, opportunities and aspirations as any other family.
Click here to view how Smiffys and Rubies supported Family Fund World Book Day giveaway
About Family Fund
Family Fund has over 50 years’ experience supporting families raising disabled and seriously ill children and young people to have the same opportunities as others. The national charity provides essential grants and services to ease some of the daily pressures families face. For more information about Family Fund, including the grants the charity offers, visit www.familyfund.org.uk.