Officeworks Toowoomba raises $20,000 for children in need

With one in six young people living in poverty even before the outbreak of COVID, the pandemic has shone a light on the impact of disadvantage on a child’s education.

Toowoomba residents have raised an incredible $20,000 for the Smith Family as part of Officeworks’ annual campaign.

The eighth annual campaign raised $2.2 million across the country for children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

Funds will be used to support students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life educational support program.

Toowoomba residents have raised an incredible $20,000 for the Smith Family as part of Officeworks annual campaign. Kyra Beams and Julia Clutterbuck.

The Toowoomba store raised $20,032 which will cover 32 students on Learning for Life scholarships.

With one in six young people living in poverty even before the outbreak of COVID, the pandemic has shone a light on the impact of disadvantage on a child’s education.

However, Australians have stepped up to help The Smith Family provide children in need with vital educational support.

The Smith Family Head of strategy and philanthropy Judy Barraclough said they had been calling on Australians to help, by supporting the education of children experiencing the effects of poverty.

“Providing them with the resources they need to fit in and keep up at school helps them to achieve educationally, complete school, and go on to better futures,” she said.

“This is particularly important against a backdrop of COVID’s impact on the 2020 school year.

“The generosity of Officeworks and its customers in raising such an extraordinary amount of money over a period of just six weeks, is truly heartwarming.

“Working together, we can address the critical issue of children and young people living in disadvantage and support them to reach their full potential.

Toowoomba residents have raised an incredible $20,000 for the Smith Family as part of Officeworks annual campaign. Tammy Codrington and Brett McConochie.

“After last year’s unprecedented disruption to schooling, it’s so important we get our young people back on track with their learning.”

Officeworks Toowoomba store business manager Tina Foelz said they were proud supporters of education.

“It’s why we’re especially thrilled to see our Back to School Appeal break previous fundraising records. Thanks to our customers and team members we’re making a difference to students who need it most,” she said.