AID PLAN POPS UP

CENTACARE NQ is launching the first ever North Queensland based “School Savvy” program.

It’s now appealing for donations of school supplies and school uniforms for the pop-up shop which will open its doors in January.

The School Savvy pop-up shop will sell low cost new and second hand uniforms as well as school supplies to families struggling financially in the busy back to school period.

There will be three pop-up shops in our region, including Townsville, Cloncurry and Burdekin.

With a high percentage of Queensland parents having experienced financial stress over the past year, the start of each new school year can be a very expensive time, especially for families on low incomes.

Director of Client Services Steve Burrowes is leading the initiative in the region.

“School Savvy is aimed at children and families; we know that ‘back to school’ is an incredibly challenging time for families,” he said.

Centacare NQ executive director

Paula Washington said the region was still in recovery from the 2019 monsoon event.

“And now the compound pressure of COVID-19 means even families who have managed challenging circumstances well in the past could be finding it particularly difficult,” she said.

“That’s why we’re calling on families to support us by donating the uniforms that their children have grown out of and put them to good use.

“There are children and families in our community who will be incredibly appreciative.”

School Savvy has the support of St Vincent de Paul Society and it has agreed to act as drop off points for uniforms and other donations.

“It is a terrific opportunity to partner with other services who can support School Savvy and in turn families in our region,” Ms Washington said.

Tosco’s Office National have supplied 10 donation bins for School Savvy.

Stay up-to-date with when these will be available for public donation by liking their Facebook page @Schoolsavvynq.

Centacare NQ has also announced Queensland Country Bank as a Gold Partner for the program.

“We are excited to have Queensland Country Bank come on board as they share in our vision to help local children get back to school in 2021 with the resources they need to succeed,” Mr Burrowes said.

Businesses can get on board by donation, whether it is financial or material goods such as unwanted quality stationery supplies such as pens and calculators rulers.

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