OfficeMax is encouraging education and learning centres to nominate children for its latest round of Max e-Grants, which closes on March 18.

The programme, developed in conjunction with Barnardos, is an initiative providing financial and educational support to disadvantaged children aged four to 18.

Schools, kindergartens and daycare centres can nominate children experiencing economic disadvantage for grants of up to $5,000, going towards essential school supplies and extracurricular activities.

In 2015, 64 per cent of all grants distributed went towards school or sports uniforms, excursions and camps.

OfficeMax New Zealand’s National Manager of Government & Education Blair Horsfall says the Max e Grants programme is now more important than ever.

“With the cost of living rising it’s becoming harder for families to cover all those extra school expenses such as uniforms, books and camps,” he said.

“Even in a free public education system these quickly add up, and this is where our Max e Grants programme can really help. In five years we’ve helped more than 11,000 children gain access to the education they deserve.

“A small grant can make a big difference and a priority for the programme is to achieve inclusion for every child, which creates a more supportive and effective learning environment.

“OfficeMax is proud to have helped so many children, especially in lower socio-economic positions, with 45% of all grants going to decile three schools and below.”

There has been more than $530,000 in funds donated since the programme began, with grants helping pay for extra hours of teacher aide and support, stationery and textbooks, excursions, sporting equipment and extracurricular activities including club fees and uniforms.

Applications for this round of Max e Grants close March 18. For more details or to apply, please visit maxegrants.co.nz