Donegal shops’ kind gesture to help keep local children safe
Eurospar Moville and Londis Buncrana renew their Safe Place message for local students.
One Donegal business’s kind gesture to offer a “safe place” to Inishowen children is in operation again this year.
Ciarán and Danielle McKenna of Eurospar Moville and Londis Buncrana have urged parents to let their kids know that their shop is a safe place to stay whether they have missed a bus or need to contact a parent and have somewhere to stay while waiting.
The “Safe Place” initiative has been running for a number of years, and the McKenna family is encouraging Inishowen folk to spread the word that their doors are always open to anyone who may need help or a safe place in an emergency.
The message is especially aimed at new First Year students, many of whom are travelling independently and becoming familiar with new routes and surroundings.
Students are being reminded that they do not have to be making a purchase or have a specific reason for calling in. If something goes wrong and they need somewhere safe, staff are happy to welcome them.
That could mean a student has missed their bus, has a phone that needs charging or finds themselves without lunch money. Whatever the situation, the message from the businesses is simple: come in and ask for help.
The initiative is intended to give young people an added sense of reassurance as they settle into the new school year, while also encouraging parents and guardians to make their children aware that the shops are available as a safe place if needed.
In their annual reminder, McKenna Shops said: “You don’t need to be buying anything or have a reason to come in — if you need a safe place, our door is open.”
They also encouraged students and parents to share the message, particularly with families whose children are beginning First Year.
Eurospar Moville and Londis Buncrana also wished students all the best ahead of the new school term. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back and wish all students a happy, safe and successful new school year!”
For any student who finds themselves stuck, worried or simply in need of somewhere safe, the message is clear: McKenna’s door is open.