Drought-affected schools in New South Wales have welcomed the donation of stationery packs being organised the Australian Office Products Charitable Fund on behalf the OP industry.

 

The NSW Department of education has provided the Fund with a list of 42 schools that are currently in drought-affected areas. Schools in Queensland will also be included in the program.

 

Many of the schools have expressed thanks in advance of receiving book packs that are being organised by the Fund with the support of suppliers and dealers.

 

Among the responses to the Fund’s offer of stationery book packs were:

 

Wendy Blaker, principal of Mungindi Central School: “I would deeply appreciate the support. I cannot begin to thank you enough for this. Anything you send us will be appreciated as it is equipment we do not have to supply. Every cent counts at this point.”

 

Allan Johnston, principal Lake Cargelligo Central School: “What an amazing gesture. We would love anything to help our students and some of the items would be great. Even if it was just 110 book packs made up of the basics for our secondary kids, who normally have to supply their own.”

 

John Donaghy, AOPCF spokesperson and managing director of Discount Office National, has urged dealers across the board to support suppliers in assisting the Fund to supply and deliver 5000 book packs.

 

“We will obviously be hoping to raise much of the funds at the annual charity Christmas lunch on 22 November but, in the meantime, I would love to hear from any dealer or supplier who can assist us,” he said.

 

Products included in the book packs include binder books, exercise books, ballpoint pens, display books, erasers, coloured and lead pencils, highlighters, rulers, pencil sharpeners, visual art diaries and calculators.

 

John Donaghy can be contacted on (02)9724 6944 or [email protected]

 

PHOTO: Students at Trundle Central School, one of 42 NSW schools affected by the drought.