Centacare NQ supports Townsville and Ayr parents with their back-to-school shop

Savvy North Queensland parents are encouraged to pick up a back-to-school bargain while doing their bit for the environment.

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SAVVY North Queensland parents are encouraged to pick up a back-to-school bargain while doing their bit for the environment.

Centacare NQ opened its School Savvy pop-up shops last week in Townsville and Ayr.

The shops give parents an opportunity to purchase reduced-price school items, including preloved uniforms and school supplies, ranging in price from 50c to $6.

Mum-of-three Brownyn Packham said she picked up a Kirwan State High School uniform for her daughter Sasha as well as stationery for her sons Declan and Rhys.

“Usually at this point of time we don’t have much money after Christmas so it makes it easier and less stressful,” she said. “Hopefully the community continues to get behind these programs.”

Centacare NQ director of client services Stephen Burrowes said the shop would help dozens of families.

Rhys, 7, Sasha, 14, and Declan,4, Packham at the School Savvy NQ Pop Up Back to School supply shop. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We are providing this affordable alternative to school supplies after hearing that many kids across the region will start the school year without the resources they need,” he said. “Our aim is to get kids starting the new school year as stress-free as possible by supporting their families to get what they need to succeed at school.”

The pop-up shops are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, for the rest of January or until items are sold out.

Donations can be dropped off at Centacare NQ during opening hours.

Originally published as Centacare NQ supports Townsville and Ayr parents with their back-to-school shop