Recreate seeking €25,000 to purchase new van to help expand it’s business

By Maurice Garvey

BALLYMOUNT social enterprise recycling firm Recreate, are seeking €25,000 to purchase a new van to develop the business.

Recreate are a project of the Early Childhood Ireland, South Dublin County Partnership.

In partnership with Social Innovation Fund Ireland, Recreate took part in the first ever Animate showcase event on May 26, at Trinity Business School.

As an Animate awardee, they are now recognised as leading innovator in creative reuse, and are seeking €25,000 to purchase a new van to collect tonnes of surplus stock – making it available for re-use as free arts and educational materials for a wide range of groups.

The organisation work with local and national business to collect unwanted and surplus items, for use in early childhood education, schools, colleges, special needs groups and community centres.

Dara Connolly, Executive Director of Recreate said: “Our warehouse is full with all types of fantastic arts materials such as paper, wool, plastics, fabric, tubing, foam and many other unusual and unexpected surprises. Since becoming an Animate awardee, we have undergone extensive growth planning and restructured our membership model.”

Recreate has already helped to divert 140 tonnes from landfill, and are aiming to re-distribute 100 tonnes a year.

The initiative saves schools, pre-schools and community groups significant costs for arts and educational materials.

Social Innovation Fund Ireland offers three key programme offerings including Animate – which awards supports and cash up to €10,000 for early stage projects responding to critical social issue in Ireland.

Recreate cater for individual members, and encourage other members to join them.

Groups can get in touch for membership fees and options, that offer “best value and a range of materials” at 456 8798, info@recreate.ie, or recreate.ie