With your help, the 2020 Back to School Appeal will raise enough funds for 1,000 back to school packs for ACT children in need. In addition to the existing support provided to families by the ACT Government, these supplies will ensure a brilliant start to the school year for those most in need.

Following the success of the inaugural Back to School Appeal in 2019, the ACT Government is again partnering with ACT community organisations and online charity GIVIT for the 2020 Appeal.

This year, the community is being asked to donate items that are additional to the supports provided to every public school student in need. The 2020 Back to School appeal will provide 1,000 packs and may include items such as water bottles, lunchboxes, shoes, socks, singlets and haircut vouchers.

Minister for Community Services and Facilities, Suzanne Orr, said the start of a new school year is a time of excitement for Canberra families but for some, this time of year comes with increased financial stress.

“The ACT Government provides services such as assistance for housing, rates and utilities, transportation and registration, health and dental, education, food, fines and legal matters to Canberrans who are facing pressures with the cost of living, but for some families this is a really tough time of year.

“We’re urging the Canberra community to get behind this appeal to support families who are most in need in the ACT, and help kids get the best start to the 2020 school year,” Ms Orr said.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Development, Yvette Berry said, having an equitable start to school is fundamental to educational outcomes.

“This government is committed to providing students and their families with the best possible start when it comes to education and that’s why every public high school student in the ACT receives a Chromebook and all the tools they need for learning.

“Having an equitable start goes beyond the necessary tools for learning—it’s having a new backpack and starting the term with a fresh haircut. These additional things can have a tremendous impact on a student’s confidence going into the school year and this Appeal is a great way for government and community to come together and give something extra to support families most in need,” Minister Berry said.

Canberrans can make a financial donation or drop off items at collection points across Canberra listed on the GIVIT website www.givit.org.au/items-needed     

For more information on the 2020 Back to School Appeal, please visit the GIVIT website or contact [email protected].

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