Connswater & Another World Belfast – ‘The Tools for School’ appeal.

Connswater Shopping Centre have joined forces with Another World Belfast to help launch a fantastic new community initiative called ‘The Tools For School’. This campaign will provide local children with the right tools for returning to school through donated items at Connswater Shopping Centre’s drop off point.

Centre Manager at Connswater, Mark said “we are delighted to help support the fantastic campaign initiative ‘The Tools For School’. This great cause from Becky and Connor at Another World Belfast ensures that children will have the right school essentials such as school bags, folders and pencil cases. We know that the last few months have been difficult for families and a big change for children. This initiative will help kids and their families ease back into school and help relieve the pressure of school costs involved.”

Connswater were more than happy to donate tools for school to the value of £500 and hope that customers will support local by donating what they can whilst shopping at the centre.

Becky from Another World Belfast noted that her team… “Were absolutely delighted to have built such a great relationship with Connswater. We love working with local businesses who want to give back to their community and these guys exemplify that.

When we first met Mark the centre Manager at the Halloween market last year we were impressed by his genuine care for the customers and retailers and his keen interest in our project, and how we could work together. So, we were chuffed when he offered us a permanent collection point and covered the cost of a box handmade by local hero Neal Campbell who runs Belfast Tool Library. They also allowed us to come in and regularly do donation drives and chat to the customers. The people of East Belfast are incredibly generous, and up for a laugh, so our volunteers always have fun working here. Together we regularly collect many trolleys full of donations for local people in need.

At this time of year and with the effects of covid19 hitting families harder than ever we were delighted to be asked to get involved with this brand new initiative to deliver a different sort of practical assistance. We are confident that along with our amazing volunteers, we’ll be able to gather plenty of the essential ’tools for schools’ to distribute in the coming weeks with many of our local partner organisations.”

If members of the public want to be involved in the community initiative, they can simply donate purchased school stationery items at the drop off point near the Connswater shopping centre entrance. The donated items will be collected in trolleys and donation bins and then redistributed to local groups and organisations that support young people and their families.

Or if you want to help and volunteer for this great cause, contact becky@anotherworldbelfast.com and check out the local schemes in your area!