Officeworks has commenced its annual Literacy is Freedom Appeal, marking 11 years of collaboration with the Australian Literacy and Numeracy Foundation (ALNF).
The initiative aims to collect funds for vital literacy programs benefiting children in disadvantaged Australian communities.
This year, ALNF ambassadors, actor Michala Banas and musician Tasman Keith, are getting behind the campaign, encouraging Australians to donate to the Appeal and support ALNF's work to make literacy accessible to all.
"As an artist and a Gumbaynggirr man, literacy plays a major part throughout my expression - It has allowed me to tell my story, a story that is relatable to many more," said Mr Keith.
"I believe everybody should be given the opportunity to equip themselves with the skill and knowledge on how to share theirs, not only for the betterment of themselves but for everyone else listening.
"If communication is key to finding common ground then literacy is one of the many hands that hold it."
Ms Banas, an award-winning film, television and theatre actor, sees literacy skills as critical for self-expression, connection and opportunity.
"We all have a story. Without language, literacy and communication, the most marginalised members of our communities become more vulnerable," she said.
"Equal opportunities to create vital human connections, get an education and gain employment, should be something we all have access to."
This month customers can contribute to the appeal by making donations at Officeworks stores or through their online platform. Officeworks will allocate 20 cents from each Studymate product sold this month to the ALNF, with all proceeds collected being directed towards programs aimed at narrowing the literacy disparity, ensuring equal educational opportunities for all children.
Having maintained a partnership with ALNF since 2012, the annual appeal has generated funds that have benefited over 29,000 children and youth.
Additionally, it has facilitated the distribution of over 350,000 books and 50,000 Literacy Packs to underprivileged children and communities.
Officeworks Managing Director Sarah Hunter said the company is proud of their long-standing partnership with ALNF and the positive impact it makes "in supporting Australian children to gain access to vital literacy programs".
"We believe that all children deserve equitable access to education and education resources, and through our Literacy is Freedom Appeal, together with the generosity of our customers, we're proud to help more children write their own bright futures and make bigger things happen," she said.
ALNF Co-Founder and Executive Director Kim Kelly said "Literacy is freedom to choose, express, participate and succeed."
"That's why we're so proud to join Officeworks once again this year for our annual Literacy is Freedom Appeal. Our partnership has always been driven by the fundamental goal of ensuring that every Australian child can write their own bright future and thanks to the support of the Officeworks family and their customers, we are inspiring literacy and education every day by providing access to quality children's books and vital learning resources, and empowering communities with the knowledge, skills and tools needed to be their own changemakers."
The Literacy is Freedom Appeal will be in progress until Saturday, September 30 and aligns with Officeworks' People and Planet Positive Plan, which involves a commitment to raising $5 million for local causes between 2020 and 2025.
The aim is to provide support to 30,000 students in need.
For additional information about the Literacy is Freedom Appeal or to contribute, please visit the Officeworks website.
