Waurn Ponds community donates vital school supplies

The Waurn Ponds community has donated more than 1,000 new school supplies during Operation Backpack.

The community initiative took place at the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre and was aimed at helping local families who may be experiencing financial difficulties.

Operation Backpack collects donations of essential school supplies, such as stationery and backpacks, to ensure children have the items they need when returning to school.

“Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, owned by ISPT, would like to thank the local community who generously donated $4,025.14 worth of new school supplies during Operation Backpack,” Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre marketing manager Georgie Ricca said.

“It’s wonderful to see the community getting behind such a worthwhile cause and helping families who may be doing it tough financially.”

“We would like to acknowledge and thank the fantastic team from Meli who will be distributing the donated supplies to local families over the coming weeks, for their time and commitment to this worthy cause.”

Meli is a not-for-profit organisation offering a range of support services for members of the community.

Meli chief executive officer Grant Boyd thanked the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre for its support of the program and the shoppers who have helped make a difference.

“This financial pressure is compounded at this time of year by the additional costs associated with sending children to school,” he said.

“The generous donations made through Operation Backpack will provide welcome relief to families already grappling with hardship or disadvantage.”

“It’s vital for children to have the supplies they need from day one to ensure they are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in school this year.”

The donations have been bundled into backpacks and will be supplied to families supported by Meli’s Early Childhood and Family Services programs and its network of 30 kindergartens.

The community donated more than $4,000 worth of school supplies.

The initiative was run out of the Waurn Ponds Shopping Centre, where shoppers could make their donations.