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One in six Aussie children at risk of missing the basics for school: Through the Officeworks Back to School Appeal you can help change that
Fiona Alston
Jan 13, 2026
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As early childhood children prepare to make the important transition into Prep or Grade 1 in 2026, ensuring they have the tools and confidence to start strong is more important than ever. Having access to the basics, from school supplies to uniforms, can significantly influence a child's sense of belonging and readiness to learn.
Officeworks has launched its annual Back to School Appeal with children’s education charity, The Smith Family, aiming to raise $1 million to support more than 1,400 students experiencing disadvantage across Australia.One in six Australian children and young people grow up experiencing disadvantage, meaning they risk going without access to the school essentials they need and falling behind. By reaching its fundraising target, the Officeworks Back to School Appeal will help provide students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program with essential school supplies, uniforms, shoes, camps, excursions, as well as personalised support so they can thrive now and into their futures.
Officeworks customers can donate to the Appeal when shopping online, in-store, or by purchasing a box of bounce balls, with all donations going directly to The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program.
Melita, mother of Learning for Life student Audrina, said, “When I connected with The Smith Family, I was a single mum, caring for my daughter Audrina and my mum, and providing kinship care for my nieces and nephews. I was struggling financially at the time and was just making ends meet on a casual wage. The Smith Family was there to support us through Audrina’s Learning for Lifesponsorship.
“My number one wish for Audrina is to be happy and follow her heart and passions. I want her to beat the past barriers our family members have faced, and The Smith Family is helping her do that.”
Officeworks Managing Director, John Gualtieri, said, “At Officeworks, we believe that every child should have equal access to education. We know that having the right supplies and support around them, can be the difference between a child feeling left out, or walking into the classroom feeling confident, included and ready to learn.
“For 13 years, our customers, team members and partners have rallied behind a purpose bigger than ourselves and together, we have raised more than $10.6 million and supported over 15,800 students through the Officeworks Back to School Appeal.
“By working together, we can help break the cycle of poverty through the power of learning, and that’s why we’re calling on Australians to once again to support the Appeal - because a small act like adding a donation at the checkout, or buying a box of bounce balls, can help make a big difference in a child’s life.”
The Smith Family CEO, Doug Taylor, said the partnership with Officeworks is changing outcomes for thousands of young people.
“Early support and intervention in a young person's education can have a lasting impact that changes their future. We know that 85% of Learning for Life students were engaged in employment, education, or training two and a half years after leaving school. This reaffirms why it’s crucial that we help all students and their families get the tools and support they need.
“Through our Learning for Life program, our students have a safe and supportive environment to engage in activities to develop their academic skills, including homework, numeracy, and literacy and mentoring programs. It’s amazing to see the genuine impact of our programs and hear first-hand from parents who say, “this has changed the confidence of my child”, and that’s exactly what we aim to do.
“Our enduring partnership with Officeworks and the generosity of their customers and team members means more children can start the school year with what they need to create a brighter future right from the start.”
The Officeworks Back to School Appeal runs to Sunday, February 8, 2026. Australians across the country are encouraged to donate at their local Officeworks, online at Officeworks.com.au or by purchasing a box of bounce balls, to help all school children get a fair go in their educational journey.
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