So we did this yesterday. Luca, Ziggy and I headed into Officeworks armed with a $50 giftcard and proceeded to fill our basket with back to school goodies.
When Officeworks emailed me, I had already ordered all of Luca's school supplies directly through his school. I really didn't need anything. But when they mentioned that I could shop specifically for the Back To School Appeal which Officeworks runs for The Smith Family, I thought that sounded like an ace idea! Donations to the appeal are distributed to disadvantaged families by The Smith Family so that every child might begin their school year with everything they need.
I explained to the kids what we were doing and they were excited, too. Of course, when we got in there, the boys were completely seduced by stationary because stationary is very seductive. I had to remind them once or twice that we were not there to buy stuff for ourselves. I had to remind myself that I didn't need a gorgeous notebook with a hot pink flamingo on the front or more pretty stuff for my desk. No, Angie. Just no.
At first, I was collecting rulers and sharpeners, cheap pens and erasers, thinking that more was better. But then I thought about the kids who would receive these items. I considered what they might want as they headed off to school. As a kid, I loved fresh school supplies at the beginning of each year and I had the freedom to choose the pinkest backpack, the coolest pencil case and quality coloured pencils instead of the el cheapo brands whose colours are never as bright and pigmented.
A kid whose parents can't afford to provide them with the basic school equipment is no doubt used to having the cheapest options of whatever they do get. I wanted our donations to be better than that. I chose things that would normally be out of reach, special things that they could feel proud to take to school. Things that every kid deserves.
It was awesome.
And it was busy! Melbourne was shopping for school supplies yesterday. Seriously. But you don't have to fight the crowds. Officeworks have two options that can save you time and hassle.
- School List Service allows you to search for your school online and access a list of required school supplies to be purchased. You can then have the order delivered or pick up instore.
- Drop your list off instore where staff will pack your order for free and then notify you when it's is ready to be picked up.
Also, don't forget the Parent Price Promise:
If you are heading into Officeworks (there are 152 stores to choose from), consider popping something extra in your basket for the Back To School Appeal. Small or large, everything donated is helping make a difference for disadvantaged kids.
Win a $50 Giftcard
Yep, I have one $50 giftcard for one super-awesome reader to spend at Officeworks. And the only thing better than stationary shopping at Officeworks is stationary shopping at Officeworks on someone else's dime.
To enter, simply tell me in the comments below how many Officeworks stores there are in Australia. Hint: the answer is in this post. 🙂
Conditions of entry:
- Entrants must leave a comment below (not on Facebook) and be contactable via email. One entry per person. Open to Australian residents only.
- Entries close: Friday 31 January 2014 at noon.
- This is a game of chance. Winners will be chosen by random.org, notified by email and announced on this blog post.
- The prize will be posted by the Promoter.
- Prizes are not redeemable for cash.
- Prizes are not transferable.
Promoter: The Little Mumma, PO Box 159, Montmorency, Victoria, 3094
Best of luck!
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The lucky winner is Mary Preston. I have emailed you, Mary. 🙂
Thank you to everyone who entered!
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152
Officeworks have 152 stores.
I told the lovely lady at my local store to remind me to do it online next year as school shopping with 3 kids in tow is a nightmare. (Also the store was busy and it was only the first week in January)
152!
(one just down the road – phew!! )
152
152 🙂
I went to our local one for all our supplies too ( and also before Xmas for stocking extras ) love their stationary 🙂
152 stores to choose from! 🙂
152!
152 stores
152
Yay you for thinking like that! I’m sure the kids who receive the supplies will be wrapt! 🙂
152 🙂
There are 152 stores. That’s impressive.
152 stores!
152 🙂
Love that you shopped for those most in need. You rock!
there are 152 stores….
Our whole family loves officeworks – you can never come out empty handed once you go inside officeworks..
152 ….
152 🙂
152
152 🙂
152
152 stores
152 🙂
” 152 ”
152 🙂
there are 152 🙂 and they are awesome 🙂
152 stores, thank you
There are 152 Stores.
152….
There are 152 stores in Australia.
152
152
152
152
plus.google.com/104477690511717943783
152 stores
152
152
152
152
152 Officeworks stores.
152
152
152
152
152
152 stores!
152 stores
152 stores. Thanks for the chance to win!
152 fabulous stores!
152 fantastic stores!
152 fantastic stores!
152
152
152 Officeworks stores.
152
152, wow there is alot 🙂
there are 152 <3 officeworks
152
152
Ummm….152!
152 stores.
152 Amazing Stores, with all the items to kill being bored!!
152 What a great idea to help the Salvos help disadvantaged kids.
~152 Stores~
152 stores!
Thanks for the chance 🙂
152
152
152
152 Convenient and well stocked stores! $50 will be a delight to spend
152 great stores, $50 will be a delight to spend
152 🙂
152 stores
152
There’s 152 stores.
152
152 stores
152
152 office works
Stationary shopping is the bomb 😀 152 stores!
152
152 stores 🙂