IGA Springfield Lakes continues to show its ongoing commitment to the local community by kicking off the school year with financial support for some needy students.
In January, store manager Terry Slaughter partnered with local charity group Westside Community Care to sponsor the school book list purchases for ten of the most needy Springfield Lakes State School students.
Store manager Terry Slaughter said they are happy to help the school that sits right around the corner.
“We’re going to select ten students from Springfield Lakes State School, and we’ll buy their book list for them,” Terry said, speaking to The Greater Springfield Times on January 12.
Terry estimated that each pack would cost $100, bringing the total sponsorship to around $1,000.
He noted that supporting families who are doing it tough is a continuous concern and that it’s never too late to contribute.
“These back-to-school costs are ongoing. There’s always school excursions… school fees… It costs a lot of money to send kids to school these days.”
The booklist drive is just one of many school charity activities Pastor Phil Cutcliffe has organised via Westside Community Care (WCC) already this year.
“It is the back-to-school period and here at WCC we are inviting the community to help us support local families in need through our Back to School grant program,” Phil said.
The WCC’s Back to School program supplies 100-200 struggling families in the Greater Springfield area with school necessities such as uniforms, bags, and stationery, so that every child in our community has the best chance of succeeding at school, Phil explained.
“There are four different ways we are helping people. Besides what we’re doing with the booklists, one is with donated laptops, and another is with a $50 BigW voucher (or similar).
“We are also setting up a free stationery shop on January 20 with donated supplies,” Phil said, speaking to us in early January. Although this event has since passed, donations are always needed.
“We have limited funds and resources but will do our very best to stretch to as many [people] as possible.
“We are committed to showing these families they are not alone and they have a community that cares about them and is committed to helping them and their children make a positive start to the new year.
“If you know of any businesses or individuals that might like to contribute too, please let us know!”
It is never too late to help. If you would like to support this program, contact Phil on 0411 021 153 or email phil@wccare.org.au.
You can also help by starting a collection at work, or simply purchase a few supplies and drop them off at Camira Springfield Community Centre at 389 Old Logan Road, Camira. You can also make a direct donation (tax deductible) to BSB 124 192, Acc. 20030551. REF: Back to School.
If you need assistance or would like to nominate someone for assistance, contact Phil or visit in person at 389 Old Logan Road, Camira or online at facebook.com/westsidecommunitycare.
