This week I had the pleasure of meeting Ian Campbell and his daughter, Sarah at their Ten Foundations store in Castle Court, Belfast. What began as a simple introduction to their charity quickly turned into one of the most inspiring experiences I’ve had in a long time.
Ian’s story is extraordinary. What started as a windsurfing holiday to the Philippines in 2012 became the birth of a mission to change lives. Troubled by the poverty and deprivation he saw, Ian decided to act. He didn’t just feel compassion—he built a solution. And that solution became Ten Foundations, a non-profit charity with an incredible vision: to empower women in extreme poverty to create better lives for themselves and their families.
Empowering Women, Changing Lives
At the heart of Ten Foundations is the Livelihood Programme, a practical, impactful initiative that teaches women in the Philippines the skills to design and produce high-quality school bags and backpacks. These bags are sold in the UK and Ireland, with 100% of the proceeds going directly back to the workers.
The results of this program are transformative:
- Women are now earning a fair wage and gaining independence.
- Families have access to food, healthcare, and safe housing.
- Most importantly, children can attend school regularly, breaking the cycle of poverty for future generations.
Ten Foundations currently employs over 70 people in the Philippines, from bag makers and designers to quality control specialists. This isn’t charity in the traditional sense—it’s empowerment, dignity, and opportunity. The same motivation I had for setting up Ethical Schoolwear.
A Visit That Left Me in Awe
During our meeting, Ian shared a video showcasing some of the children and young adults whose lives have been changed by the work of Ten Foundations. Watching those smiling faces, knowing they now have the chance to dream of a brighter future, was deeply moving.
Ian beamed with pride as he spoke about the women who’ve transformed their lives through this project. He shared stories of resilience and hope, emphasising that these women—many of whom are over 40 and have spent a lifetime in hardship—finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.
A Charity Like No Other
Ten Foundations is unique. In Belfast, they run two stores (there's another on the Lisburn Road) that sell the school bags, along with homeware, furniture, and clothes. Every single person who works in these stores is a volunteer, from students to retirees. The sense of community and shared purpose is palpable.
Ian’s Vision
Ian’s dream doesn’t stop here. He envisions expanding Ten Foundations across the Philippines, establishing more livelihood centres and empowering even more families. His goal is to build a brand synonymous with fair trade, sustainability, and integrity—a brand that makes buying a school bag an act of real, life-changing impact. I see so many similarities between him and the people at One+All - the employee-owned company I get my school uniform from.
A Lesson in Commitment
I went into this meeting looking to find out more and the possibility of becoming a supplier for their school bags, but I learned that Ten Foundations sells exclusively direct to ensure all the money goes back to the people who need it most. While this meant I couldn’t stock their bags, I walked away with something even greater: a renewed sense of purpose and admiration for what’s possible when passion meets action.
At Ethical Schoolwear, we plant a tree for every order. Meeting Ian has inspired me to reflect on how our small steps—yours and mine—can ripple out into big, meaningful change. I’m honoured to share this story with you, and I encourage you to support Ten Foundations however you can.
How You Can Help
If you’re in Belfast, visit their store in Castle Court or check out their online shop. Every purchase supports a brighter future for families in the Philippines. Together, we can make a difference—one school bag, one tree, one act of kindness at a time.
For more about Ten Foundations, visit www.tenfoundations.org