Teams4u
| Formation | 2006 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Dave Cooke |
| Type | Charity |
| Registration no. | 1114131 |
| Headquarters | Wrexham, Wales |
| Website | www |
Teams4U is a UK-based international development charity that works to improve the lives of vulnerable children, families, and communities in some of the world's most disadvantaged regions. Founded in 2006 by Dave Cooke, the creator of the original Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal, Teams4U delivers practical aid and sustainable development projects in countries including Uganda, Sierra Leone, Romania, Bosnia, Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, and Belarus.
History
[edit]Teams4U was established in 2006 in Wrexham, Wales, by humanitarian Dave Cooke. After decades of experience working with disadvantaged communities through initiatives like Operation Christmas Child, Cooke sought to create an organisation that empowered local communities through practical interventions and sustainable programs.
Initially focusing on distributing Christmas gift boxes to children in Eastern Europe, the charity soon expanded its reach and programming to address wider community needs, including access to clean water, healthcare, education, menstrual hygiene, and vocational training.
Mission and Vision
[edit]Teams4U’s mission is to "bring communities together to transform the lives of children and families living in poverty." The organisation partners with local NGOs, churches, and community groups in each country it works in, ensuring that projects are culturally appropriate, sustainable, and community-led.
Programmes
[edit]Shoebox Appeal
[edit]The charity’s most recognised annual initiative involves sending thousands of shoeboxes filled with toys, toiletries, and school supplies to children in Eastern Europe and Africa. Volunteers from the UK help collect, sort, and distribute these boxes every Christmas season. [1]
Menstrual Hygiene Programme
[edit]Teams4U runs education sessions and distributes reusable sanitary pads to girls in Uganda and Sierra Leone. The initiative aims to reduce school absenteeism and combat stigma around menstruation.
Clean Water and Sanitation
[edit]The organisation funds the drilling of boreholes and construction of latrines in remote communities, significantly improving health outcomes and reducing waterborne diseases.
Education and Vocational Training
[edit]Teams4U supports schools, orphanages, and vocational centres, providing resources, training, and infrastructure improvements. Programmes include teacher training, literacy initiatives, and skills-based workshops.
Ukraine Aid and Summer Camps
[edit]Since the 2014 Ukraine crisis and during the 2022 invasion, Teams4U has delivered extensive humanitarian aid to war-affected regions of Ukraine.[2] The charity has also run annual summer sports camps for orphans and vulnerable children in Ukraine, providing educational activities, sport, and psychosocial support.[3] In addition, Teams4U has partnered with Ukrainian orphanages to deliver ongoing aid, resources, and volunteer support.[4]
Countries of Operation
[edit]As of 2025, Teams4U has active projects in:
Ambassadors
[edit]British actress and CBeebies presenter Gemma Hunt was announced as a charity ambassador for Teams4U in 2023.[5]
Governance and Funding
[edit]Teams4U is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charity No. 1114131). It is governed by a board of trustees and relies on a combination of public donations, corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, and volunteer contributions. The charity also partners with UK schools, churches, and community groups.
Notable Events
[edit]- 2020: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Teams4U adapted its programmes to include the distribution of hygiene kits and health awareness campaigns in its partner communities.
- Annual Gala Dinners and Fundraisers: Held in Wrexham and other UK towns to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s international projects.
- 2022–2025: Delivered humanitarian aid and support to communities and orphanages in war-torn Ukraine.[6]
External Links
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Teams4U Shoebox Appeal 2022 in Wrexham". www.leaderlive.co.uk.
- ^ "Teams4U supporting those affected by war in Ukraine, one year on". Leader Live. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "Teams4U supporting those affected by war in Ukraine, one year on". Leader Live. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "Ukraine orphanages helped by Wrexham charity". BBC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "Gemma Hunt to become T4U Ambassador". Teams4U. Retrieved 3 July 2025.
- ^ "Ukraine orphanages helped by Wrexham charity". BBC News. Retrieved 3 July 2025.