A longstanding charitable campaign has set its sights once again on providing uniforms and school supplies for students headed back to the classroom, many of whom come from homes facing a variety of challenges.

With a new academic year looming, a statement from the Gina Spence Programme said 80 per cent of the 300 students who registered so far for this year’s Each One Reach One campaign “came from households that experienced a major loss including incarceration, terminal illness, job loss, death, divorce or unemployment”.

The statement added: “These are not just statistics — behind each application is a child walking into a new school year carrying burdens no child should have to bear.

“One mother shared in her application that her son lost his father to violence earlier this year, while also watching his grandmother battle cancer.

“Another family is struggling after the breadwinner was laid off, leaving them unable to afford even the most basic school essentials.”

More than $20,000 has been raised since the 2025 campaign, organised by GSP in partnership with Gibbons Company, launched last month.

The drive this year has set a $80,000 fundraising goal.

Each registered child receives kit, valued at $150, that contains a uniform, backpack undergarments and socks.

Gina Spence, GSP founder and chief executive, said: “When a child walks into school on the first day wearing a fresh, clean uniform, they hold their head higher, they feel like they belong.

“For so many of the children we serve, this is the first step towards hope after loss, but we can’t do it alone.”

Gently used uniforms can be dropped off at Gibbons Company children’s department by August 20, with each donor receiving a $10 store voucher for every $50 spent.

All families must be registered for the campaign by Friday, while monetary donations close one week later.

• Visitgspcharity.comor call 296-0016 to donate or volunteer time for the campaign