Back to school free uniform event is resounding success

Back to school free uniform event is resounding success

7 June 2023

THE Co Down Rural Community Network last week hosted a very successful back to school uniform event at the Ballymote Centre in Downpatrick.

Over 355 families and almost 690 children took part in the event which was organised in conjunction with Asda.

Local families who attended the event were also signposted to other local services which provide a range of support.

Last Friday’s event offered local families the opportunity to avail of brand-new school uniforms, which were donated by the Asda store in Downpatrick store. 

Items included jumpers, sweatshirts, shirts, polo shirts, trousers, shorts, skirts, pinafores, socks, and tights.

Asda community champion, Linda Owens, said the retailer understands that rising costs of school uniforms can put financial stress upon families. 

“Working together with our County Down Rural Community Network partners, we have been able to support local families and ease financial burdens in this current cost of living crisis,” she added.

In the past, the Network in partnership with local agencies hosted back to school uniform events in the Down area providing free pre-loved uniforms to families preparing to return to school. 

The events were designed to encourage local schools to hold their own uniform recycling events which the Network’s own uniform event compliments.

Staff at the Network thanked the Clanrye organisation and all the volunteers who helped to make the recent event a great success.