A child proudly slipping on a brand-new school bag was a powerful reminder of why AMURT WA’s back to school event matters.
The Perth-based charity’s event at the weekend supported families in need with essential school supplies and food assistance.
AMURT WA co-founder Jas Singh said the initiative was launched in response to growing cost-of-living pressures affecting families.
“We were seeing more families coming to our food pantry and community programs who were anxious about the cost of sending their children back to school,” Mr Singh said.
“With rising living costs, school supplies often become an added burden many families quietly struggle with.”
Mr Singh said the event aimed to ease the pressure and help children begin the school year with confidence.
Alongside school supplies, AMURT WA provided food hampers for before and during school, eggs, toiletries, hygiene and baby items as well as $50 Officeworks gift cards for each child.
“In future, we hope to also include laundry products and school socks,” Mr Singh said.
The City of Armadale was chosen as the focus area due to the level of need already identified through AMURT WA’s ongoing programs.
“Cost-of-living pressures have had a significant impact on families in Armadale, particularly those with school-aged children,” Mr Singh said.
“AMURT WA already works closely with the city through food relief and community outreach, so focusing here made sense where need and trust were already established.”
About 100 children from the community were supported at the event, with referrals coming through schools, community networks and support services to ensure assistance reached those most in need.
One moment from the day left a lasting impression on Mr Singh.
“One child carefully chose their school bag and proudly put it on straight away,” he said.
“Their parent suddenly gave me a hug.
“She then quietly told me, with tears in her eyes, it was the first brand-new school bag their child had ever had.
“It was a simple moment, but deeply moved me.”
Parents and carers shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many saying the support allowed them to redirect limited funds towards rent, food and utilities.
“Some families explained that without food, (their) children sometimes missed school,” Mr Singh said.
“Knowing they now have food will help children attend (school) more regularly and better focus in class.”
AMURT WA hopes to run the event again in the future, with plans to expand the range of items provided.
“As long as the need remains, which is unfortunately growing, we will continue seeking community support, volunteers and funding partners to sustain and expand the program,” Mr Singh said.
He encouraged families who may need support but are hesitant to reach out.
“Our programs are confidential, respectful and run with compassion,” he said.
Mr Singh said it was important for the wider community to understand who the support was for.
“The families we support are everyday people – parents working hard, carers doing their best and children full of potential,” he said.
AMURT WA thanked the City of Armadale, Stan Perron Foundation, Dandelions WA, Share the Dignity, Essentials Collective, Golden Eggs, Fruit Break and dedicated volunteers for making the project possible.
