Store’s School Appeal supports students

OFFICEWORKS Ballarat has generated thousands of dollars for The Smith Family through online and in-store donations as part of a Back to School Appeal

The effort was driven by the shop’s staff and customers, with $16,399 raised for the charity’s Learning for Life program.

This initiative helps families purchase the stationery and supplies their children need to be fully equipped for school.

Through Learning for Life, The Smith Family also offers personal support to families living in poverty and assists them in covering the costs of any extracurricular activities their children are involved with.

Officeworks Ballarat store business manager Kael Aisbett said the response to the annual fundraising campaign was heart-warming.

“Every year we are blown away by our customers and team members working together in showing their kindness and support for the Back to School Appeal,” he said.

“We believe that every student in Australia deserves access to a quality education and the tools they need to promote strong educational outcomes.

“Together with our community, we are proud to show Ballarat’s support for The Smith Family, helping to make a difference in the lives of those students who need it most.”

The Smith Family’s CEO Doug Taylor said the charity is grateful for the “outstanding generosity of Officeworks, its team members and customers.”

“We know the global pandemic continues to impact how students and their families approach the school year, this year more than ever, especially access to education essentials,” he said.

“With the extraordinary amount of donations this year, we can continue to address the critical issues with disadvantaged children, helping them to create better futures for themselves and break the cycle of poverty.”