The Raymond Terrace Rotary 'Back to School' program, now in its third year, has expanded in 2022 to include two new primary schools and a range of student accessories and stationery.
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The program, which commenced in 2020 as a means of providing school bags/backpacks and support for struggling Port Stephens families, now includes additions such as pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, staplers, exercise books, water bottles and lunch boxes.
"This year we have also expanded the number of schools from nine to 11," said organiser Tracy Jonovski, president of Raymond Terrace Rotary, and a real estate agent with Osborne George (formerly LJ Hooker).
"Although the number of backpacks is down on last year, due to the fact that we have not been able to meet face to face with families because of COVID, we are still expecting to assist in excess of 100 kids this year.
"Delivery date is Tuesday, February 8, and because we cannot go onto the school premises we will be delivering through the office here in Raymond Terrace or outside the school gates."
Schools to benefit in 2022 include Irrawang High, Irrawang Primary, Grahamstown Primary, Raymond Terrace Primary, Hunter River High, St Brigid's Catholic, Seaham Primary, Medowie Primary, Wirreanda Primary and the two new schools Karuah Primary and Tanilba Bay Primary.
Ms Jonovski said that the Rotary project was a combined community event which had at its heart supporting families that were struggling financially, particularly after two years of the pandemic.
"Rotary funds the project along with two great supporters Raymond Terrace and Lemon Tree Passage bowling clubs ($1500 each), and this year we had an anonymous donation of more than a dozen boxes of school exercise books," she said.
"This is a fantastic project showcasing the generosity of the local community and ensuring that our school children have access to brand new bags and stationery for the start of the new school year."
"I want to thank the many organisations and individuals for their donations and generosity and the volunteers from both Rotary and Osborn George, otherwise this program would never have got off the ground."
Meanwhile, Raymond Terrace Rotary played a major role in this year's Australia Day celebrations held at Riverside Park by providing entertainment with a live band performance featuring Ms Jonovski and her son.
"Rotary is also hoping to establish another project, which involves providing children with a pencil case filled with emergency hygiene products, such as deodorants, toothbrushes and other personal items."
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