Officeworks has launched its 13th annual Back to School Appeal in partnership with The Smith Family, aiming to raise $1m to help more than 1,400 disadvantaged students across Australia access essential school supplies and support.
The appeal, which runs from Dec. 29, 2025, to Feb. 8, 2026, addresses a significant need: one in six Australian children and young people grow up experiencing disadvantage, risking limited access to school essentials and falling behind academically.
Funds raised will support students enrolled in The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, providing school supplies, uniforms, shoes and access to camps and excursions, along with personalised educational support.
Customers can contribute by donating during online or in-store purchases, or by purchasing a box of bounce balls, with all proceeds going directly to the program.
“At Officeworks, we believe that every child should have equal access to education,” said John Gualtieri, Officeworks managing director. “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.”
Over its 13-year history, the appeal has raised more than $10.6m and supported more than 15,800 students, a news release highlighted.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said early intervention in education creates lasting change. He noted that 85% of Learning for Life students were engaged in employment, education, or training 2.5 years after leaving school.
“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,” Taylor said.
The Learning for Life program provides three key supports: financial assistance for education expenses including books, digital devices and uniforms; a local coordinator who works with families and schools; and access to learning support and mentoring programs covering literacy, numeracy, career pathways and digital literacy.
Students can join the program in their first year of primary school and receive support through to the completion of their education. Schools in communities across Australia make referrals to the program.
Melita, the mother of Learning for Life student Audrina, described the program’s impact on her family. As a single mother caring for her daughter and her own mother, and providing kinship care for nieces and nephews, she struggled financially on a casual wage.
“The Smith Family was there to support us through Audrina’s Learning for Life sponsorship,” Melita said. “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.”
The charity supports almost 72,000 children and young people through partnerships with almost 800 Australian schools.