Burton charity urges people to swap Easter eggs for chickens to support children in Kenya

A Burton-on-Trent charity is encouraging businesses and families across the Midlands to swap their traditional Easter egg for something that creates lasting change.

The Footprints Family, founded by Burton resident Kerry Watson, has launched its “Buy a Chicken Instead of an Easter Egg” campaign to help provide sustainable food and income for vulnerable children and families in rural Kenya.

The initiative invites supporters to donate the cost of an Easter egg to fund the purchase of chickens for the charity’s community programme.

Chickens provide a reliable source of eggs for nutrition and can also generate income through local egg sales, helping families build long-term food security.

The campaign forms part of the charity’s wider work supporting vulnerable children through education, healthcare and food programmes at Footprints Academy, as well as within the surrounding community.

Founder Kerry Watson said: “At Easter we often spend money on chocolate that lasts a few days. A chicken can change a child’s life for years.

“It provides food, income and independence for families who are working hard to build a better future.”

Each donated chicken contributes to the charity’s growing sustainability programme, which includes small-scale farming initiatives designed to reduce dependency on external aid while empowering local communities.

The campaign also offers a meaningful way for businesses, schools and families across Staffordshire and the Midlands to support international development in a practical and transparent way.

The Footprints Family has been operating for over 17 years, impacting the lives of more than 200 vulnerable children and their families through education, nutrition and community support initiatives.

Supporters can donate to the Easter campaign and purchase a chicken through the fundraising link.