Ards and North Down Borough Council Becomes First Official Drop-Off Partner for The Hygiene Bank in Local Leisure Centres

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce a new partnership with The Hygiene Bank - Ards and North Down Project, becoming the first local authority in Northern Ireland to host official donation drop-off points within Council-operated leisure facilities.

Collection boxes are now in place at Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex, Comber Leisure Centre and Portaferry Sports Centre.

This initiative will support The Hygiene Bank's ongoing efforts to tackle hygiene poverty across Ards and North Down. The local project, run entirely by volunteers, has been serving the community for the past seven years, providing essential hygiene items to a wide network of community partners including foodbanks, community and church groups, schools, and other organisations supporting individuals and families facing hardship.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, added,
"We are proud to support The Hygiene Bank and the vital work it carries out across our Borough. Hygiene poverty is an issue that affects many households quietly but profoundly. By providing drop-off points in our leisure centres, we hope to make it easier for residents to donate and to help ensure that essential items reach those who need them most. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting community wellbeing and ensuring that no one in Ards and North Down goes without the basics."

Jean McGrogan, The Hygiene Bank Ards and North Down Project said,
"We, as volunteers with The Hygiene Bank, Ards and North Down Project, are very grateful to Ards and North Down Borough Council for becoming the first Drop Off Points within the local Council Leisure Complexes. Each donation means so much to families who need our help, and this partnership will greatly enhance our ability to support those experiencing hygiene poverty."

The Hygiene Bank collects essential everyday items commonly found in homes, such as shower gel, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, toilet rolls, nappies and baby care essentials, household cleaning and laundry products.

Ards and North Down Borough Council encourages residents to donate what they can during their visit to one of the participating leisure centres.

For more information on The Hygiene Bank and how to get involved, please visit: www.thehygienebank.com.

Photo caption:

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum alongside (L-R), Councillor Rachel Ashe and Jean McGrogan, Hygiene Bank Ards and North Down Project.