The Write Start: Scotch College student Lachlan Alder to help disadvantaged WA kids with stationary campaign

A Scotch College schoolboy is rallying for support to help collect stationery for in-need WA students as part of a campaign he has branded “The Write Start”. With a bundle of colouring pencils in one hand and a pack of glue sticks in the other, 12-year-old Lachlan Alder describes how he is hoping to make a difference for students across the State. “Learning is a very important part of life ... but not every student has the same opportunities,” he said. “Kids should be able to come to school with the right materials to learn. “I wanted to help give every student the chance to feel ready and excited for the new school year.” On Sunday, Lachlan, with the help of his mum Melissa, launched “The Write Start” — a campaign to help collect new and pre-loved school stationery to recycle, repackage and re-gift to students via WA charity Give Write. He has already taken in more than 300 pieces of stationery from donaters, as well as more than 100 messages of support. “It’s been really heart-warming, that the community and our neighbours, family and friends were so quick to come on board and support what what he believes in, and what he’s trying to do,” Ms Alder said. Subiaco-based charity Give Write collects donations of new and little-used stationery and school supplies to repackage and distribute to disadvantaged WA students. Since its inception in 2019, Give Write has donated more than 13,000 stationery packs, which CEO Monica Smith said was made possible by the help of volunteers such as Lachlan. “Lachie’s not doing it for a school project. He’s doing it just because he really wants to give back,” Ms Smith said. “The thought that he can have such an impact on so many other kids ... to help them realise that there are people out there that aren’t as privileged as they might be can really help get more kids involved and help break the cycle of poverty.” It isn’t the first time Lachlan has helped fundraise for local charities, following on from a campaign he created last year called “Warm Paws, Warm Hearts”, during which he collected more than 400 towels and blankets for the Shenton Park Dogs Refuge. “I’m incredibly proud of Lachlan and his efforts. He is a very caring and responsible child who thinks of others,” Ms Alder said. “I think that it would be wonderful if more children can support him and be involved in similar activities, because it really is a great opportunity to learn and meet new people too.” Lachlan is hoping to fill his blue wheelie bin up by the end of the week, with a goal to collect 1000 items of stationery before the end of the campaign. “I’m hoping to get my friends involved, because I think it’s important for kids to help out other kids,” Lachlan said. “Hopefully we can reach the goal, but any amount is amazing ... because every item helps.” People who have stationery supplies to donate can email donate@thewritestart.com.au or text 0409 388 034.