Officeworks will host a fund-raising day next week for communities impacted by recent bushfires.

 

While many Officeworks stores have donated water, packing boxes and tape, power banks, respirator masks and other much needed goods at a local level, the retailer will stage a national fund-raising day on 24 January across all of its 167 store network and online with the company matching total funds raised.

 

The retailer is also working with business groups and associations in key bushfire regions to identify its micro, small and medium business customers that have been impacted, so that it can provide support with extended credit terms or other financial support.

 

Officeworks acting managing director, Michael Howard, said: “We know it’s an incredibly challenging time for our team members and customers in parts of Australia that have been devastated by the bushfires. 

 

“Making meaningful connections with and contributions to the communities where we live and work is something we’re committed to as a business, so we’re really proud of many our store teams who have been quick to act and support those that needed it the most,” he said.

 

Officeworks has also set up a ‘workplace giving’ facility to allow its nearly 8000 team members to donate to the Australian Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, directly from their pay.

 

Officeworks will also support team members with paid leave if they are a part of the volunteer services fighting the bushfires across Australia.

 

“We acknowledge that many of our team members have been volunteering their time to assist the communities impacted by the bushfires and we want to ensure we can support them in their efforts,” Howard said.  

 

 “We’re pleased to be making paid leave available for our team members when volunteering for a recognised emergency management body such as the CFA, RFS and SES. We feel this goes some way in acknowledging the valuable role our team play in these communities.

 

 “Our thoughts go out to all our team members, customers, supplier partners and their families and friends impacted by fires across the country. We join others in saying a huge thank you to everyone involved for their efforts to support these communities in need so far, and with the challenges ahead,” he added.