A Perth-based charity supplying backpacks filled with back-to-school essentials to disadvantaged WA children has seen demand surge so dramatically that it has doubled the size of its headquarters, with support from Mineral Resources (MinRes).
Dandelions WA’s 2026 Back to School campaign is forecast to reach a record 17,000 students at more than 420 schools in the Perth metropolitan area and remote communities, ensuring schoolchildren can start the new school year ready to learn.
The charity began in 2021 supporting just 220 students. By 2022 this had risen to 900, climbed to 6,700 in 2023 and surged to 15,000 last year, highlighting the growing cost‑of‑living pressures facing many families.
An army of volunteers – including MinRes employees – spends months preparing the backpacks with essentials such as pens, pencils, exercise books, lunch boxes, drink bottles, hats and calculators.
Many children also receive toiletry packs containing shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush and deodorant.
Since 2021, MinRes has supported Dandelions WA by contributing to the cost of renting its Malaga headquarters, affectionately known as the Kindness Kubby.
As demand for the WA chairty surged, MinRes increased its financial support to enable Dandelions WA to lease an adjoining unit and effectively double its operational capacity.
Dandelions WA Co-Founder Vicky Young emphasised the importance of children starting the school year with everything they need.
“We know children who miss the first week or two of term simply to avoid the embarrassment of turning up without basic school supplies," Vicky said.
“Our mission is to give every child the opportunity to start the school year equal to their peers – equipped, confident and excited to learn.
“We’ve been overwhelmed by demand, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, and our campaign is only possible thanks to the generosity of the local community and the ongoing support of businesses like MinRes.”
MinRes Director People Andrea Chapman reflected on the company's partnership with Dandelions WA.
“It’s deeply rewarding to work alongside Dandelions WA as they deliver practical, life-changing support to children who might otherwise start the school year without the basics," Andrea said.
“The growth in demand for backpacks reflects the real challenges many WA families are facing and we’re committed to helping meet that need.
“By enabling the Dandelions WA to expand its Kindness Kubby, we’re making sure more children can walk into their classrooms with confidence, pride and the tools they need to succeed.”
Learn more about MinRes' commitment to delivering positive benefits to the Western Australian community through its social investment program.
