Kellie Armstrong Appeals For Donations For Baby Products

Kellie Armstrong MLA Donation Drive for Essential Baby Products

With the rising level of poverty across Northern Ireland, Kellie Armstrong, Strangford Alliance MLA, has called for donations of essential baby products through the month of August.

Kellie said: “We have listened to our local community’s needs – parents are struggling and we want to help.

Strangford Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong pictured outside her office with some of the essential baby items donated.

“My office is running a community-wide donation drive for essential baby products. This initiative aims to collect baby formula, baby bottles, nappies, wipes, and dummies to assist families facing financial hardship during the cost of living crisis.

The donation drive will run weekdays from 23rd July 2024 to 23rd August 2024. All items collected will be distributed to Trussell Trust Food Banks and The Warehouse Ards, to ensure they reach those who need them most.

“Every child deserves the best start in life, and it’s our goal to support parents in providing for their little ones during challenging times.”

“We are calling on the generosity of our community to help us collect these essential items and make a meaningful difference in the lives of many families.”

Donations can be left off at Kellie Armstrong’s office in Newtownards.

A Department of Communities report on poverty levels can be found HERE

The DfC said that on Children’s Poverty (before HOusing costs are considered) had risen in the latest study.

The percentage of children living in relative poverty in 2022/23 was 24%; compared to 18% in 2021/22.

This is a statistically significant increase. Children living in absolute poverty rose from 15% to 19% over the same period.