$6400 raised for Officeworks Albany Back to School appeal for children

Albany Officeworks has raised a total of $6400 for the Smith Family charity to provide nine children with stationery for their education needs as part of their Back to School appeal. Store manager Kelly Donnelly said she loved raising funds for local children and was glad to see the Great Southern community benefit from the fundraising efforts. “We are so proud to have raised more than $6400 for The Smith Family thanks to the support and generosity of the Albany community,” she said. “I would like to thank each and every customer and team member who contributed to this year’s appeal and supported The Smith Family’s Learning for Life sponsorship program and the vital work it does in enabling all Aussie children to have fair access to education. “We love doing this charity because the money goes to local kids, so anything we raised within our store goes to local kids who are struggling with school supplies and education needs. “It’s for their whole education journey, so that’s why the team really gets behind it and the community as well.” Donations to the appeal were made at the store’s registers, with customers given the choice to donate. “Some customers are really generous and will donate $50, but it’s no set amount, just whatever anyone wants to donate,” Ms Donnelly said. “Personally this is my favourite fundraiser because being able to know that local kids are supported by it and that they’re given the same chance and opportunities as any other kid, that’s what makes it so special and I think that’s why the team got on board with it so well.” The $6400 raised makes up a total of $1.3 million raised across the nation by the office supplies giant to give children in need an opportunity to stay engaged in school.