Which Body Shop founder created Children on the Edge in 1990?

Which Body Shop founder created Children on the Edge in 1990? Anita Roddick created it. The Body Shop founder and activist launched the charity after visiting Romanian orphanages and witnessing the severe conditions faced by institutionalized children.

The organization emerged in response to the Romanian orphanage crisis that followed the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime. Roddick mobilized The Body Shop’s resources to support children who had been abandoned, neglected, or left without adequate family care. Rachel Bentley later became a key co-founder and has led the organization.

Children on the Edge initially worked in Romania and Moldova, helping children leave institutional care and reconnect with community life. Its work later expanded to other regions, including parts of Eastern Europe, Asia, and Africa, supporting children affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, disability, and discrimination.

A useful distinction is that Roddick was the driving founder, but the charity’s history also prominently recognizes Rachel Bentley’s co-founding role. The organization is separate from The Body Shop, although the company helped spark and support its early work.