This month I’m sponsored by the wonderful Jumping Dog London, a fashion brand with a difference whose primary goal is making the lives of The Lost Boys better.
So let’s talk about The Lost Boys and why they are so important.
These are a group of kids who live in tunnels underneath the streets of Bucharest in abject poverty and face daily challenges that you and I can’t imagine. Where food will come from. Where warmth will come from. Can you imagine having those concerns?
The founder of Jumping Dog and photographer, Joost Vandebrug, spent 5 years with these boys, documenting their lives and setting up the ‘CINCI LEI Project’ which has helped these children to turn their lives around. The gorgeous brand Jumping Dog was founded in 2014 and is a brand that creates clothes that children want to wear but will help the children who need it.
Joost followed four boys, Nicu, Costel, Stefan and Liviu, who had been living on the streets from a very young age. At the time they weren’t named The Lost Boys, rather this became their name because Joost called them so. Their stories are all equally emotive, but none of them are unusual, which is as tragic as it is infuriating. Despite being guided by Bruce, who is a first generation street child, acting as a guardian to the boys in many ways to try and help them seek their sanctuary on the streets, the boys have little to no aid or influence from adults. Isn’t that heartbreaking? One image that really stuck with me is a group of adults glaring at the children from the bus stop… wouldn’t you want to help them? The boys formed relationships which each other that bonded them together with a camaraderie that I truly believe can only come through such struggles, and also formed strong bonds with stray dogs who they cared for as their own, hence the name “Jumping Dog” for the brand. When the CINCI LEI project began the ideal was to build a shelter for the boys where they could lead a safer and healthier life, the chosen location was in a dog shelter, thanks to their love of dogs.
When I was sent the CINCI LEI book, a book that tells the tale of the four boys and their struggles through the photography they allowed Joost to take, I didn’t know what to expect. I’m not really one for photography books, I like to sink my teeth into text to read a story, however I felt that this book really resonated with me. The images require no words to tell the coming of age tale of these young boys and their struggles, I’ve included a few in this post but I can’t recommend grabbing the book enough, not only is it for a good cause (as are the beautiful clothes) but it’s also a stunning coffee book with beautiful imagery that really resonates within.
H x
This is so sad, those poor boys 🙁 Its great that a brand is bringing attention to their story and helping them. Thank you for sharing xx
Oh gosh this is really sad. Well done for spreading the message.
I had no idea there were children living on the streets on their own in Bucharest. I’m glad the Jumping Dog clothes and their photo book support these homeless children.
I’ve been wanting to visit bucharest for a while, but never knew of this situation at all. How heartbreaking. What a great clothes line as well, and I can imagine how emotive the book must be. x
What a sad thing to read. I feel so blessed to have a home and a better childhood than these children. I hope the book sells well and the proceeds really do help them out.
This is just heart breaking it is so sad to know there are children on there living in such poverty but great people are trying to help them.
Gosh this is just so tragic. No one should have to go through a life like that, it’s just so sad.
Wow! How heartbreaking to hear that the ‘lost boys’ are having to live like that. I’m so pleased they are getting the help they need xx
Wow, this would have me in tears. What a great brand, what a fabulous way to raise awareness. Thank you for sharing this.
What an amazing project and book. Looking at these pictures my heart is literally breaking – such powerful and emotive subject. This book and clothing line will definitely get my support.
How inspiring and what a cause! I think photograph books sometimes can tell a far better story than words x
These photos are heartbreaking. I think I watched a documentary about them awhile back. It’s nice to know that a clothing brand is supporting them. And congratulations for the sponsorship 🙂
Very inspiring and moving piece Harriet. Such a great cause x
Thanks Zoe! H x
Those photos are just so heartbreaking, my sons are a similar age to some of those boys – I can’t imagine glaring at children like that 🙁
I know right? It is so wonderful that Joost is helping build a better place for these kids, they need something more stable and secure, and they sure don’t look to be getting help anywhere else.
This is terrible (not the post, the subject). It is heartbreaking to think these boys live rough and no one is doing anything to help them. I will have a look for the book (though like you I prefer text). I’m glad Jumping Dog is helping to highlight this in such a wonderful way.
They are such a brilliant brand Tori – I often find I’m more willing to give charitably if I can see that it will go towards something for my children too – after all, when times are tight, you can’t always give donations, but to be able to clothe your kids and give at the same time; that is perfect.