Shirt sales aim to help Haiti quake survivors

David Lees, 24, has set up Disaster Wear, an ethically-based fashion manufacturer and retailer which he says will make fun and interesting clothing.

With his 23-year-old brother Paul he hopes to sell the shirts for between £20 and £30 and intends to donate 22.5 per cent of any profits to low-level, community-based disaster relief worldwide.

Mr Lees, of Barkisland, returned from Haiti last month after working with an organisation called Grass Roots United whose success he says lies in linking local grassroots organisations, self-help groups and local communities together, helping them to help themselves – the very model Disaster Wear commits to.

Mr Lees said: “Haiti was grim, even a year on but I came away elated by how far a few pounds could go if used in the right way. Big charities are good at what they do but they are just that, big and subsequently find it hard to drill their support down to the family or community level quickly enough.

“When the support finally arrives it doesn’t always fit the need. Grass Roots gets those suffering to tell them what they need and gets the right support to the right people quickly. I was bowled over.

“We hope consumers like our ideas to help thousands of people and by wearing one of our shirts it will not only keep you warm but by wearing an original item of clothing it will raise awareness and money.

“We don’t know if wearing our T-shirt will make you feel better about your place in the world – all we can hope is that it fits well, keeps you warm looks great on and matches your lifestyle. No matter what, you will be wearing an original and a few pounds will soon be helping someone, somewhere. I have a sales background and intend selling the shirts to local boutiques.”