Second-hand uniforms washed, ready to go back on the rack

It was all hands on deck at Centacare NQ in Townsville yesterday getting more than 700 school uniforms ready for the new year.

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IT was all hands on deck at Centacare NQ in Townsville yesterday as they prepared more than 700 school uniforms for the new year.

Orange Sky volunteers washed the donated uniforms while volunteers from Queensland Country Bank were busy sorting and folding, ready for January 11’s School Savvy Pop-up Shop.

Volunteers Gabby de Weers with Richard Scott, Rob Vickers and Alex Brandis. It was all hands on deck at Centacare NQ in Townsville yesterday getting more than 700 school uniforms ready for the new year. Orange Sky volunteers washed the donated uniforms while volunteers from Queensland Country Bank were busy sorting and folding, ready for JanuaryÕs School Savvy Pop-up Shop. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Centacare has been collecting the second-hand uniforms in Townsville and The Burdekin to sell for bargain prices, helping those struggling financially to get the best start at school. Centacare director of client services Steve Burrowes said for some kids, it could be a game-changer.

“Turning up to school without a uniform when everyone else has one, and not even having a pen or pencil or book to hit the ground running on day one, can have long-lasting effects on a child’s wellbeing,” he said. “It’s that area we want to be able to help to address as best we can.”

Queensland Country Bank volunteer Darrell Burgess helping get the uniforms ready. PICTURE: MATT TAYLOR.

Residents with unwanted school uniforms are being encouraged to donate them to Centacare, Queensland Country Bank branches at Willows or Ayr or at any Vinnie’s store.

Originally published as Second-hand uniforms washed, ready to go back on the rack