Kindness conquers throughout School Savvy week

Posted on January 16th, 2020

Families across Central Queensland have benefited from some financial relief in the wake of School Savvy CQ pop up shops opening this week.

Hundreds of parents, grandparents, guardians and children from across Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Capricorn Coast and Mount Morgan have attended these shops in the hopes to give their children the best start to the school year through purchasing low-cost stationery and pre-loved uniforms kindly donated by the local community.

School Savvy assistant coordinator Danielle Mitchell said Rockhampton saw more than 490 people walk through the door on the first day and more than 480 attending the pop-up shop in Bundaberg.

Danielle MitchellSchool Savvy CQ Assistant Coordinator

“It’s a little bit concerning to see so many people needing this service, but we’re happy to help out wherever we can.”

“We’ve had a lot of feedback of how grateful everyone is, some quite emotional that something like School Savvy exists.

“We are very thankful also to our volunteer hair stylists who have volunteered their time in Rockhampton, Bundaberg and the Capricorn Coast – a lot of parents have commented on the convenience of this element of the shops.”

CentacareCQ manager of Risk and Innovation Leisa Kilsby said 170 people were through the door at the Bundaberg Civic Centre within the first 5 minutes of the shop opening.

Leisa KilsbyCentacareCQ Manager of Risk & Innovation

“We had 270 attend within the first hour and another 350 on Tuesday,” she said.

“Our hair stylists have done more than 150 free haircuts and trims for school children since opening on Monday.

“Everyone has been very grateful of the initiative and are returning after their purchase to donate items to the shop, telling their friends and even paying for other’s items who were waiting in line if they are unable to pay.”