A Belfast duo who have been supplying essential items like clothing, underwear and toiletries to local people experiencing hardship have received a 'One Big Thank You' on The One Show.
Another World Belfast CIC was founded by Connor Kerr and Becky Bellamy back in 2017 when they first set up a small pop-up salon to fundraise for The Rainbow Project.
Since then, they have grown as an organisation to deliver their Free Store project which represents an evolution of their work to alleviate the symptoms of both social and economic inequality in Belfast and beyond.
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The 'One Big Thank You' is a segment run by The One Show every week that recognises someone who has gone the extra mile to help others in their community.
Connor and Becky were left speechless when they were surprised by Eurovision pop sensation Sonia in the hidden camera ruse in the Swap Shop space on Winetavern Street in the city centre.
The Swap Shop is what Another World describes as “a charity shop on steroids” which helps to fund their work and allows people to shop for good quality clothes and items for low cost when they bring in their own belongings to swap.
Speaking about The One Show Suprise, 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."
The surprise also involved a 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 to local change-maker Marcus Hunter- Neill Aka Lady Portia and human rights trailblazer Ciara Moynagh.
Connor added: "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."
Another World Belfast’s partner charities include The Rainbow project, Cara friend, Here NI, Women’s Aid, Flourish NI and Anaka Collective.
For more information on how to shop, swap or lend a hand yourself, see here or search @anotherworldbelfast on social media
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