UniCycle Jamaica has launched its fifth annual school uniform drive in partnership with Campion College and Fontana pharmacies.

Already, support has been garnered from Ammars with a substantial in-kind donation. Other private sector companies are also being approached with the aim of once again reaching the annual target of collecting and distributing at least 200-300 khaki uniforms and masks and, to mark the initiative’s fifth anniversary, school supplies to families across the island through the Ministry of Education and Youth’s National Education Trust (NET).  

UniCycle Programme Manager Rhys Greenland explained that, given the persistence of COVID-19, “masks still count and we are trying to work with our longstanding partner Project Hope and the HEART Trust/NTA to make more from donated fabric”.

MEANS A LOT TO HELP FAMILIES

He went on to add how much it means to be able to help families “meet their back to school costs each year while supporting textile recycling across the island and preventing fabric from winding up in our landfills where it takes years to degrade, if at all”.

Shirley Moncrieffe, acting director, Donor & Partnership Management at the NET, expressed appreciation for the continued partnership with UniCycle Jamaica and its focus on youth helping youth while Stephanie Smith, marketing manager at Fontana, noted that UniCycle is yet another example of the company’s commitment to communities across the island. She said that “giving back is an important part of who we are.”

Maria Greenland, Unicycle community outreach coordinator, also thanked all existing UniCycle partners, inclding Fontana, Project Hope, Ammars, Joseph’s, Megamart, Campion College, Ultimate Visions, Frozen Delights Distributors, LP Azar and Roger Malek. 

She said: “With their help we have been able to continue to spread the idea of recycling clothing and support families’ access to education at the same time. We are always open to additional partners to help us reach more families, so if you want to join us, please contact us at [email protected] or follow us on IG @unicyclejamaica.”