It starts with pencils and paper, but it never ends there. A backpack may look like a bundle of supplies, yet for a child, it can become so much more — a spark of courage, a sign that they belong, a quiet reminder that someone out there cares. At Back2School Project, we’ve seen how the smallest gift can carry the biggest message: you are valued, you are confident, you are seen.

What happens after the fundraiser? A lot more than you might think. Our Bowling Night wasn’t just about raising money—it was about raising hope. In this post, we share the ripple effect of your generosity, the real planning that happens behind the scenes, and how you can keep showing up for tamariki across Aotearoa.

It’s not always the biggest gesture that changes a child’s life—sometimes it’s simply about showing up.
At Back2School Project, every backpack we pack is more than school gear—it’s a message of dignity and belonging. In this blog, we share what showing up really means, how it's changing outcomes for tamariki, and how you can be part of that change today.

Two young girls, brand new to school—and to Aotearoa—had no bags, books, or supplies. Thanks to one of our amazing partner schools and our community’s support, they received everything they needed to start their journey with confidence. One teacher shared, “Her smile was priceless.”

This is what impact looks like.

Read the full story and find out how you can help put more smiles on young learners’ faces.