Shop helps to prepare for school

CENTACARE FNQ has launched the first School Savvy Appeal in Innisfail and is now calling for donations of school supplies and uniforms for the first School Savvy pop-up shop, set to open in Innisfail in January, 2022.

The pop-up shop will sell low-cost, new and second-hand uniforms and school supplies in addition to providing information for parents and an opportunity for learning and skill-development in the retail trade for Centacare FNQ volunteers.

The initiative, first developed in Cairns in 2016, has been backed by the St Vincent de Paul Society, which has jumped on board to provide local drop-off points in Innisfail.

Centacare FNQ’s executive director Anita Veivers said a recent launch event showed there was strong support for the concept in Innisfail.

“School Savvy aims to assist local families on low incomes or those who are going through challenging times,” she said.

“We all know that Christmas and the summer months are an expensive time for all families.

“With the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the need to purchase new school uniforms as well as textbooks and school supplies can become a huge struggle – and all of that straight after Christmas.”

Centacare FNQ is calling on families and year 12 students in the Innisfail area to dig out uniforms that children have grown out of and put them to good use by donating to the School Savvy Appeal in Innisfail.

Pre-loved and new uniforms and school supplies in good condition can be dropped off at any local St Vincent de Paul outlets.

Local businesses are also being urged to help by donating unwanted quality stationery supplies such as pens, calculators and rulers.