OfficeMax suppliers sharpen their pencils for a great cause

News release For immediate issue

OfficeMax suppliers sharpen their pencils for a great cause

OfficeMax New Zealand is pleased to announce it will be joined by 10 of its preferred suppliers to help ensure that the Max e Grants programme continues its ongoing work helping children in need.

The suppliers’ support comes at a perfect time, with the second round of submissions for this year closing at midnight, 31st July 2014.

Since Max e Grants started four years ago it has raised $590,000. Grants of up to $5,000 have been distributed in conjunction with Barnardos to more than 8,000 disadvantaged children.

Through the support of OfficeMax and its suppliers, $170,000 has been raised for distribution during 2014-15, ensuring the good work of the programme doesn’t come to an abrupt end.

In addition to OfficeMax, sponsors of the programme are:

• Acco (Gold sponsor)
• Acme (Bronze sponsor)
• BIC (Bronze sponsor)
• Brother (Gold sponsor)
• Croxley (Gold sponsor)
• Energizer (Bronze sponsor)
• Frankco and Simon (Bronze sponsor)
• HP (Silver sponsor)
• SCA (Bronze sponsor)
• Newell (Bronze sponsor)

OfficeMax New Zealand General Manager of Education, Dr Suzanne Flannagan, says the Max e Grants programme has developed an excellent track record of helping less fortunate children and their carers escape the long-term effects of feeling isolated from their peers.

“Ten of OfficeMax’s preferred suppliers have offered their financial support to the programme. We know that together we can achieve more – small contributions can relieve big stresses to New Zealand’s less fortunate families,” Dr Flannagan said.

“While in an ideal world grants such as these wouldn’t be needed, we are pleased to be able to make a real difference in a child’s education and future opportunities.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as ensuring they have the same opportunities to participate in school activities by providing swimming lessons or swimming attire, providing funds for school excursions, or a coat to keep them warm.

“Our partnership with Barnardos and the Max e Grants programme is in line with our commitment to providing a more supportive and effective learning environment for every child in New Zealand.”

It’s not too late to apply. Education providers including schools, kindergartens and day care centres can nominate children for financial assistance.

To date the grants have helped pay for extra hours of teacher aide and support, stationery and textbooks, excursions, sporting equipment and extracurricular activities including club fees and uniforms.

Grants close at midnight, 31st July 2014. For more details, visit www.maxegrants.co.nz

-ENDS-

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