Families in Mandurah and Pinjarra have been gifted a back-to-school boost thanks to local businesses and community groups.
Soroptimist International Mandurah’s Return-to-School project helped about 300 students in Mandurah and Pinjarra with book lists, uniforms and other school necessities in an effort to help families already struggling with increased costs of living and rent rises.
The Mandurah community pitched in, with residents and businesses banding together to support the cause, particularly Nextra Forum West Newsagency owners Glenn and Jenni Cornish who supplied and delivered the school packs at a discounted rate to ensure they reached the relevant schools.
The project provided 210 complete book lists for students at seven Mandurah and Pinjarra primary schools, as well as 30 school summer uniforms.
Volunteers also delivered 140 school packs containing items such as backpacks, water bottles and lunch boxes to various organisations facing increased requests for help, including Ovis Community Service which helps women who have experienced domestic violence.
Local MPs Lisa Munday, David Templeman and Robyn Clarke helped deliver the donations, with Ms Munday thanking residents for their generous contributions.
“The gift of these donations assists with enabling children to start the year happy and confident with the necessary tools to be ready to learn, and hopefully enable children to find joy in going to school,” she said.