The Bolton-born founder of an internationally-renowned sportswear brand has joined a social enterprise to improve resources in UK schools.
Reebok is a much-loved brand within Bolton, particularly through its links with town’s famous football club – many people still call the stadium "the Reebok", despite not being named after the firm since 2014.
Joe Foster is a local success story and he is looking to give back to local communities, and not just in his hometown.
Joe and his wife Julie have teamed up with social enterprise LetsLocalise - of which Joe has become chair and Julie has taken up the role of custodian of values on the Ethic’s Board.
LetsLocalise is a UK digital and social platform for communities and businesses to engage with state schools in their areas, enabling them to provide time, money or essential resources.
The real story behind the two Bolton brothers who founded Reebok
Joe and Julie’s involvement with LetsLocalise stems from their belief that education provides the foundations for success, enabling young lives to pursue their dreams.
Mr Foster comes from the humble background of Bolton shoemakers J W Foster & Sons Ltd.
He developed a deep appreciation of the value of education and the many doors it can open having started at the late age of 10 due to the impacts of the Second World War.
This passion has seen the couple launch the #RaisingAMillion campaign to help kickstart support for schools in the new academic year, especially with the backdrop of acute funding shortages.
These funds will help to give students and teachers access to essential supplies such as stationary, school meals, books and art supplies, and helping with improving facilities and resources from playgrounds to sport equipment - or any other resources that can enhance a young person’s experience of education in the UK.
Joe said: “What would you give for your child to have the best educational experience?
"For most of us the answer is simple – a great deal. And we understand that.
“In the words of an old African proverb, ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.
“The problem is that we don’t know what it is, specifically, that schools and other providers need or how we can help.
"This kind of‘information asymmetry limits the potential support from even the most well-meaning communities.
“The power of the LetsLocalise approach is that it builds on the growing idea of platforms as a way of organising communities and building an effective ecosystem.
"It’s a great idea and a powerful role model for a new approach to building supportive communities and solving social problem.”
You can learn more about LetsLocalise and donate to the #RaisingAMillion campaign at www.letslocalise.co.uk/raise-a-million
If you have a story or something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at lewis.finney@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @lewisfinney18
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here