With the recent floods sending the region into turmoil, many students and families in Greater Shepparton are struggling to prepare for the upcoming school year.
However, help is available.
Offering assistance to those in need, the not-for-profit donation platform GIVIT has launched the Ready to Learn Appeal, which aims to provide support to families affected by the natural disaster and the rising cost of living.
According to GIVIT Victoria manager Natarsha Baker, more than 700 essential education items have been requested across Victoria on the GIVIT platform.
This includes traditional back-to-school items for primary and high school students and requests for TAFE and university students.
“Hundreds of families have been seriously impacted by floods in parts of the state over the past 18 months, with many losing all of their belongings and living in temporary accommodation,” Ms Baker said.
“The cost of living has exacerbated these challenges for many people, meaning they are not able to purchase school uniforms or stationary supplies ahead of the school year.”
The most requested items include stationery, school bags, lunch boxes, drink bottles, and laptops.
School shoes, school uniforms, and vouchers to purchase these items are also often requested.
GIVIT will use all donations to purchase these essential items and services.
To donate to the Ready to Learn Appeal, visit www.givit.org.au/ready-to-learn
To help people impacted by floods in Victoria, visit https://www.givit.org.au/victoria-flooding