Officeworks launches Literacy is Freedom Appeal
September 9, 2024
Officeworks has launched its annual Literacy is Freedom Appeal nationwide during the month of September.
Celebrating 13 years of partnership with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF), the appeal has contributed over $4.2million, supporting over 35,000 students and continues to provide access to life-changing support to improve literacy levels for Indigenous and marginalised children across Australia.
ALNF is a national charity assisting people in the most marginalised communities to gain vital language, literacy and communication skills. ALNF’s specialised and innovative programs address the needs of a diverse range of individuals, children and communities – specifically supporting First Nations, refugee and other vulnerable Australians.
For over a decade, Officeworks’ long-standing partnership with ALNF has empowered communities and made a life-changing impact on the literacy and educational outcomes of Australian children. This collaboration has not only transformed lives but also driven systemic, community-led change, by working tirelessly to close the literacy gap and ensure that all children thrive in school, no matter their circumstances.
ALNF Co-Founder and Executive Director Kim Kelly said: “We are proud to be partnering with Officeworks, an organisation walking with us towards equality and deeply committed to creating impact. Being able to read, write and communicate opens the door to a world where everyone has the confidence to express themselves, engage with society and share their stories. No child should be left behind.”
Officeworks Community Manager Zoe Cairns said: “We’re passionate about ensuring every child in Australia can have an education, no matter what their circumstances are and are proud of our long-standing partnership with ALNF and of the positive impact we make together. Together with the generosity of our customers and local communities, we are excited to help make a real impact in the lives of Australian children through this year’s Literacy is Freedom Appeal and empower more children to write their own bright futures and make bigger things happen.”
This year, ALNF ambassadors, award winning actress Michala Banas and actor and Play School presenter Luke Carroll are throwing their support behind the campaign again, encouraging Australians to donate to the Appeal and support ALNF’s work to make literacy accessible to all.
Luke Carroll shared, “The reason I’m a proud ALNF ambassador is because I love my culture. I’m a proud Wiradjuri Ngunnawal man, First Nations man, but I’m also passionate about education, and it’s something that my mum instilled in me at a young age and throughout my life until her passing recently. I hope to instil this in to not only into my own children, but into all children.”
Michela Banas, added, “The Literacy is Freedom Appeal is so important because what is happening is ALNF and Officeworks are taking extraordinarily important work with literacy out into Indigenous communities and underserved communities, and it’s helping Indigenous kids right across the nation to build brighter futures for themselves, and most importantly write their own stories.”
The Literacy is Freedom Appeal runs throughout September, closing on Saturday 30 September. The Appeal forms part of Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive Plan commitment of raising AU$5 million ($3.3 million/ €3 million) for local causes between 2020 and 2025 and supporting 30,000 students who need it most.
Customers can support the Appeal throughout September by donating at the checkout at Officeworks in-store or online, or purchasing an Officeworks and Literacy is Freedom tote bag.
Categories : Around the Industry
Tags : Charity Children Literacy is Freedom Appeal Officeworks
