School appeal to help families

KIMBERLEY VLASIC FAR Northern families who struggle with the cost of sending their kids to school have been thrown a lifeline after the launch of the Centacare School Savvy Appeal.

Centacare Cairns is calling for donations for a pop-up shop in January, which will sell low-cost new and second-hand uniforms and school supplies while providing training opportunities for Centacare volunteers and clients with an interest in retail.

“Having to buy new school uniforms, along with textbooks and school supplies can be a huge struggle, especially straight after Christmas,” said Centacare’s executive director, Anita Veivers.

“That’s why we’re calling on local families to dig out those uniforms that their children have grown out of and put them to good use by donating to the Centacare School Savvy Appeal.”

The initiative has been launched during Anti-Poverty Week, which aims to raise awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship around the world, and inspire action to address the problem.

It’s estimated almost half a million Queenslanders are living in poverty.

Member for Cairns Rob Pyne welcomed the appeal.

“No one is more aware of the difficult times Cairns people are going through at the moment,” he said.

“This is a great project for some of those struggling families. Education is so important in breaking the cycle of disadvantage.”

Businesses can also get onboard by donating unwanted stationery supplies such as pens, calculators and rulers.

Pre-loved and new uniforms and school supplies in good condition can be dropped off at Centacare Cairns at 22-34 Aplin St during business hours or at any of the local St Vincent de Paul outlets.