Officeworks has launched its 2022 Literacy is Freedom Appeal and is celebrating 10 years of partnership with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF) raising funds to provide vital education resources and learning support to children and communities in need.
Customers can support the Appeal in-store or online throughout October with funds raised to support the ALNF’s literacy and language programs, which work to close the literacy gap for First Nations, refugee and other vulnerable Australian children.
Officeworks first partnered with ALNF in 2012 and to date has raised $3.4 million and supported over 10,000 students through the annual Appeal and generosity of customer donations.
Officeworks managing director, Sarah Hunter said, “We are proud to celebrate 10 years of partnership with the ALNF. Officeworks believes all children deserve access to a quality education and through our Literacy is Freedom Appeal and our former Wall of Hands Appeals, together with the support of our customers, we can make a positive difference to children’s school readiness, engagement and attendance.
“This year, we are aiming to help make bigger things happen and support 3,500 students. By 2025, we aim to support 30,000 students as part of our People and Planet Positive commitments. Together, we can help create brighter futures for students and communities in need.”
ALNF co-founder and executive director, Kim Kelly added, “Our Literacy is Freedom campaign, in partnership with Officeworks, supports life-changing literacy programs for children in vulnerable communities, empowering children to write their own bright futures.
“As just one example of our impact, over 95% of children improve their early literacy skills through our Early Language and Literacy Program. We are excited to have the opportunity to reach more children than ever before thanks to Officeworks and their customers’ ongoing support.”
This year’s fundraiser has the support of Indigenous actor and TV presenter Luke Carroll, who says education has been a large part of his life and his role on Play School.
“I am keen on closing the gap for Aboriginal kids out there in our communities, so they align with the rest of society when it comes to reading, writing, literacy, all those things that encompass ALNF’s vision. I am proud to be part of the Literacy is Freedom Appeal to help get this message out there,” he said.