Start 360’s Switch onto Employment staff collect their donation from Lidl

The local retailer worked with Business in the Community Northern Ireland to facilitate collection and delivery of a range of items that included school stationery, garden and kitchen utensils, puzzles, duvets, toys and craft items worth an estimated £10,000 in retail value.

Stationery items have been given to children with limited supplies for when school resumes, and practical items such as baking tins, plates, bowls and dinner sets were donated to young people leaving the care system and moving into their own accommodation.

Start360, a leading provider of support services to young people, adult offenders, and families across Northern Ireland, has been affected by funding cuts and reduced fundraising opportunities during COVID-19 which is impacting its work with children and young people.

Carmel Kernahan, Literacy Tutor, Start 360, said: “Lidl provided our organisation with several boxes of craft, stationery, kitchen and furnishing items that we were able to pass on to the young people involved in the Switch Onto Employment programme that provides support for young people aged 16-24 to move in to further training, education or employment. We want to say a massive thank you to Lidl NI for an amazing donation at a time when our resources have been stretched. These items will make a real difference to our young people.”

Ciara Mulgrew, Programme Executive, Business in the Community NI, said: “During COVID-19, Business in the Community has been linking business support with community need through our Business Response Network. It’s with the support of generous organisations such as Lidl NI, who can donate items, share skills or provide volunteering support, that we’re able to offer help to the voluntary sector organisations and schools that may be facing extra challenges due to reduced staff capacity or funds at this uncertain time. Lidl NI has truly stepped up to supporting its communities at a time when it’s needed most”

Angela Connan, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “Supporting the local communities we operate in across Northern Ireland throughout the global pandemic with food, essential supplies, and through our dedicated food drives has been our priority, and we are pleased to continue this work by backing Start360 with a considerable donation in what has been a very challenging year for everyone, particularly vulnerable children and young people.”

The Business Response Network has made over 2,000 matches between businesses and the community and voluntary sector organisations since the COVID-19 crisis began. If your organisation can offer support, or would like to request support through the BRN, please visit www.bitcni.org.uk/brn.