The new school year is often exciting for children but financially challenging for families, as parents juggle the cost of back-to-school items so close to Christmas.
With this in mind, Santos partnered with charity organisation The Backpack Venture in early December, donating new schoolbags packed with educational supplies to 147 children from five primary schools located across the Narrabri and Hunter Valley regions.
Charity Director, Stewart Murrell, travelled across the region distributing the backpacks and said the response was overwhelmingly positive.
“All of the schools were extremely grateful for the assistance we were able to supply them,” he said.
“Their feedback shows the program has a positive impact, knowing that all students will be equipped with necessities for starting school.
“The value to these small, rural and remote schools is truly immeasurable and it would not have been achievable without the generosity of our community, supporters and businesses such as Santos.”
The $5,000 Santos Community Partnerships Program grant was also used to donate emergency hygiene packs and teacher resources to participating schools.