The Another World Belfast duo with a mission to SHOW SOME LOVE received a surprise ‘One Big Thank You’ from 80’s icon Sonia and BBC’s ‘The One Show’ in their city centre Swap Shop.
The BBC crew set up in their Swap Shop space on Winetavern Street Belfast with a hidden camera ruse from Eurovision pop sensation Sonia helped along by a host of their supporters and a few more celebrity guests.
The surprise continued around the corner with their big screen playing a range of messages from well-wishers from Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) to local politician Kate Nicholl, thanking them on behalf of the NI Executive Office, local change maker Marcus Hunter- Neill Aka Lady Portia and human rights trailblazer Ciara Moynagh.
The local charitable organisation was set up by creative activists Connor Kerr and Becky Bellamy. Founded in 2017 Another World Belfat celebrated their 5th Birthday on 10th November and had been preparing to host a party in their Swap Shop that evening.
Connor said: “We’re still recovering from the shock, and as this all happened for our 5th birthday back in November, we have had to keep it quiet since then, so it’s definitely a relief to have it all out in the open now.
“We have worked so hard, and sacrificed an unimaginable amount to bring these projects together, so this very poignant reflection has allowed us to stop, be grateful and proud of what we, and our incredible volunteers have achieved since we first started way back in 2017.”
The pair has worked for years to collect and supply essential need items like clothing, underwear and toiletries to local people experiencing hardship.
Becky said: “We’re all biz to have been visited by BBC’s ‘The One show’, and for me, being a child of the 80’s, meeting the absolute icon Sonia and having her in store chatting to her about our work was very special indeed.
“We’re touched beyond words at the efforts made by all the contributors, and our board for conspiring to bring us this surprise, but we’ve made them all promise never to keep a secret from us ever again.
“For so many reasons, both personal and professional, openness and truth are some of our most key values so we were a bit uncomfortable with that element. That said, it was a great piece, and they told the story of our work, which can at times seems complicated, beautifully. We’re very grateful to everyone involved.”
Another World Belfast’s partner charities include The Rainbow project, Cara friend, Here NI, Women’s Aid, Flourish NI and Anaka Collective.
If you want to help, you can donate clothing, accessories, brand new toiletries & underwear plus ‘like new’ make up and shoes, you can apply to volunteer your time, or you can donate money to help them pay their growing bills via their current ‘Just Giving’ fundraising link.
Every £30 spent in store or donated, pays for a person to visit the FreeStore,
For more information on how to shop, swap or lend a hand yourself visit anotherworldbelfast.com or search @anotherworldbelfast on social.