Earlier this year an ‘over the counter’ chat about ordering pizzas for a THRiVE Newtownabbey meeting with local youth and community workers started a conversation which resulted in a #collaboration that now sees Apache Pizza, Whiteabbey and the The Chip Yard, Whiteabbey advertising information about THRiVE Newtownabbey and our WE CAN… messages on their Pizza boxes and chip shop packaging.

Since the Spring Bank Holiday weekend at the end of May, anyone ordering an Apache Pizza will have noticed THRiVE information displayed prominently on the top of their box of food. Each sticker features our website address and a QR code that links directly to the THRiVE website as well as details of all THRiVE social media channels and our three #WECAN messages:

#WECAN… learn,

#WECAN… be healthy & well, and

#WECAN… be connected.

Anyone ordering food from The Chip Yard will also see the information on their packaging.

Speaking about the collaboration Chris Milling, Manager of both outlets said,

“Outside of my work here, I currently volunteer with Aware within the Newtownabbey area, including both Rathcoole and Monkstown. I had been looking for something to be able to give back. When I found THRiVE I thought it was perfect! I have young boys and understand the daily struggles that children and their parents go through. I am delighted that WE CAN… help promote THRiVE through putting their information on our boxes and provide pizzas for occasional meetings”.

Owner, Patrick Hughes said,

“As business owners in the area for many years we have always worked with local charities. When our store manager Chris brought THRiVE to our attention and suggested supporting in a number of different ways we knew it would be an ideal opportunity to support our local community.”

THRiVE Newtownabbey Project Co-ordinator Claire Humphrey had this to say about the exciting collaboration,

“THRiVE are hugely grateful to Apache Pizza for supporting THRiVE!

We are excited at the interest Patrick, Chris and their team have in children and young people in the local area doing well. It’s been wonderful to enjoy Apache pizzas at some of our working group meetings, but more importantly to share our positive messages on Apache pizza boxes to spread the word that WE CAN learn, be well and be connected.

All of us pulling together to help children and young people to thrive – thank you so much Apache Pizza and The Chip Yard!”