OfficeMax is putting a call out for submissions for its first round of Max e Grants, which closes on 24th March 2014. Already the grants have been helping children throughout the country for the past three years.

The Max e Grants programme enables education providers to nominate school-aged children for financial assistance via grants of up to $5000.  Grants are available to schools, kindergartens and day care centres.

OfficeMax New Zealand General Manager of Education, Dr Suzanne Flannagan, says the Max e Grants programme is designed to help less fortunate children and their carers escape the long-term effects of feeling isolated from their peers.

“In an ideal world grants such as these wouldn’t be needed but unfortunately there is an overwhelming demand for these grants, which can make a real difference in a child’s education and future opportunities,” Dr Flannagan said.

“Max e Grants help provide essential educational items such as school books, stationery, equipment and uniforms, as well as access to extracurricular activities including swimming classes and school excursions.

“A small grant can make a big difference to children, with lasting consequences in life skills, confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes it’s as simple as ensuring they have the same opportunities to participate in school activities by providing swimming lessons or swimming attire, or it’s providing funds for school excursions.

“OfficeMax is committed to helping provide a more supportive and effective learning environment for every child and we’re really proud of what we have been achieving with this programme,” Dr Flannagan said.

In the latest round of Max e Grants, over $70,000 was distributed to help almost 1600 New Zealand children access a better education. They are distributed in conjunction with community partner Barnardos. OfficeMax has raised more than $420,000 since the programme began.

The grants helped pay for extra hours of teacher aide and support, stationery and textbooks, excursions, sporting equipment and extracurricular activities including club fees and uniforms.

Grant applications close 24th March 2014. For more details, visit www.maxegrants.co.nz