Giving Back at Yumi
At Yumi, we believe making a positive difference goes far beyond the clothes we create.
From our beginnings in Camden, our story has always been shaped by different cultures, communities and people from around the world. That connection has inspired us to support causes close to our hearts — from helping communities affected by disaster in Nepal to supporting families, tackling poverty closer to home and championing causes that have personally touched members of the Yumi family.
Over the years, our customers, colleagues, friends and partners have joined us in raising funds, donating essential supplies and helping us turn good intentions into meaningful action.
And that is something we're incredibly proud of.
A Cause Very Close to Home
Yumi Nepal Earthquake Appeal
When a devastating earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015, the tragedy was deeply personal to Yumi.
Yumi co-founder Uttam Nepal was born and raised in the Dhading region, close to the epicentre of the earthquake, and still had family, friends and strong connections throughout the country.
We knew we had to do something.
Yumi established the Yumi Nepal Earthquake Appeal, a registered charity created to relieve suffering caused by the earthquake and support people experiencing poverty and hardship in Nepal.
The response from the Yumi community was extraordinary.
Together, we raised more than £55,000 during the period documented by Yumi, alongside an incredible range of physical donations — including 1,300 sleeping bags, blankets, clothing, medicines, tents and other essential supplies.
Schools organised fundraising days. Customers knitted blankets and hats. Businesses donated medicines and equipment. Volunteers joined us to sort and prepare supplies.
On 7 May 2015, our first major shipment left London for Kathmandu with the support of Turkish Airlines: 333 boxes across 27 pallets, filled with desperately needed aid.
It remains one of the proudest and most moving chapters in Yumi's history.
Yumi Nepal Earthquake Appeal — Registered Charity No. 1161519
TEAM Nepal
Supporting Education in Nepal
Our connection with Nepal began long before the 2015 earthquake.
Yumi previously worked with TEAM Nepal, an organisation focused on improving opportunities for children living in rural communities through education.
One project we proudly celebrated was the development of a digital library at the Nepal Korea Wisdom School, giving children access to thousands of books and learning resources.
Education has the ability to create opportunities that can last a lifetime, and supporting initiatives like these reflects the long-standing connection between Yumi and the communities of Nepal.
Supporting Sufra NW London
Helping Our Local Community
Giving back also means looking after the communities closest to us.
During 2020, our designers found a way to combine sustainability with supporting people in need.
Using fabric left at the ends of our production rolls, we created a collection of colourful reusable face coverings rather than allowing perfectly usable material to go to waste.
For every face covering sold, £1 was donated to Sufra, a charity based close to Yumi's London home.
By November 2020, the campaign had already raised £4,300.
Today, Sufra continues to work across North West London to prevent hunger, fight poverty and strengthen local communities through food banks, community kitchens, advice services and other programmes.
It was a simple idea that brought together two things we care deeply about: reducing waste and helping people.
Fertility First UK
Supporting People on Their Fertility Journey
Yumi is also proud to have supported Fertility First UK, a not-for-profit organisation created to help people who are experiencing fertility challenges.
Fertility can be an incredibly personal and sometimes difficult journey. Fertility First UK works to make information and support easier to access, connecting people with fertility professionals, clinics, counsellors, coaches and support services.
Their approach centres on education, awareness and creating a supportive environment where people can better understand their fertility and the choices available to them.
It is a cause that reflects something we strongly believe at Yumi: no one should feel that they have to face life's biggest challenges alone.
Breast Cancer Care
Causes Close to the Yumi Family
Sometimes the causes we support become especially meaningful because they have directly touched members of our own team.
In 2017, Yumi proudly supported our HR Manager, Pam Underwood, when she joined a group of breast cancer survivors taking part in Breast Cancer Care's annual fashion show.
Following her own experience with breast cancer, Pam took to the catwalk to help raise funds and show that confidence, positivity and personal style can remain powerful through even the most challenging periods of life.
Breast Cancer Care subsequently joined with Breast Cancer Now, continuing its work supporting people affected by breast cancer.
Our Story of Giving Continues
These are some of the causes and communities that have become part of the Yumi story over the years.
Some began in response to extraordinary events. Others grew from issues affecting our colleagues, customers or local community. But they have all been united by the same belief:
business can — and should — be a force for good.
As Yumi continues to grow, we want our ability to give back to grow with us.
We'll continue looking for meaningful opportunities to support communities, champion worthwhile causes and use our platform to make a positive difference.
Because looking good should feel good too.
With love, The Yumi Team