As summer draws in there's an opportunity for Tipperary people to help in Africa

As the summer begins to draw to a close and that dreaded countdown to the return to school begins for thousands of students across Tipperary, it’s nearing the time also when families put away those summer cottons and prepare to bring out the winter woollies, once more.

The changing of the seasons is also that time of year when we all think about refreshing our wardrobes and getting ready to kit out the kids for their return to school. For many, it too is a time to do a bit of a clear out, allowing us to create a bit more space in those over-stuffed wardrobes!

If you’re in the market to refresh that wardrobe, or simply want to dispose of those unwanted seasonal wear – maybe also pass on those page-turning novels you read by the side of the pool while on holidays! – why not think about donating them to your local Self Help Africa charity shop.

Located on Main Street, Tipperary Town, the Self Help Africa shop will welcome with open arms your bags of clothing, goods or other bits and bobs that you might want to dispose of, to create a bit more space. 

The local shop has also re-stocked – and is a potential source of bargains – with good as new clothes, shoes and accessories, that might be the ideal purchase for families keen to keep costs down at what is an expensive time of year.

If you’re thinking of bagging up those bits that you never really fell in love with, or planning to ship out some of the kids gear that no longer fits why not keep your local Self Help Africa charity shop in mind. 

The Self Help Africa shop in Tipperary would welcome any contributions of worn but not worn out goods, books, sports gear etc., and can find them a second home while raising much needed funds for its development projects in Africa.

Local shop manager Sharon O'Dwyer says that every €30 that is raised by the local shop in Tipperary is enough to set a rural poor family in Africa on the path to self-sufficiency.

“We’re always looking for stock, so if you have a bag of clothing, books, or other goods that you’d like to find a new home for, please keep us in mind,” says Maggie Dwyer, national retail manager.

Self Help Africa has more than 20 retail shops across the island of Ireland, and raises hundreds of thousands of euro each year through its shops network to support its efforts to eradicate hunger and poverty, every year.

Self Help Africa is currently implementing development projects in 17 countries across the globe. The organisation, which merged with Gorta a number of years ago, is one of Ireland’s leading overseas aid organisations. 

To find out more about its work visit: www.selfhelpafrica.org