Foxcil, a leading Sydney trade printer of labels and flexibles, is doing its bit for struggling remote communities by regularly sending out Foxcil Care Packages including pencils, pens, clothing, books and stationary items to remote schools across Australia.

The initiative was devised by Foxcil’s sales manager Miro Williams who grew up in a remote community and understands how removed many of these tiny towns can feel being so far away from metropolitan areas.

“We really wanted to show leadership around corporate responsibility and social justice, but given we are only a small manufacturing company based in Sydney, and that we don’t have lots of spare cash, we wanted to give back to the Australian community in a way that would be felt directly,” Foxcil general manager Carl Butchard says.

“Each month, staff members here at Foxcil are invited to bring to work something for a care parcel; It may be something their kids haven’t used in a while, a book, clothing, or a toy, something that may be appreciated by someone else. We hope that these items may be reused, or re loved or just enjoyed by some children and teachers in a Australia’s remote communities.

“Each month we choose a  small remote school in outback Australia, usually with around 10 children or less, and only one or two teachers.”

Foxcil’s prepress manager Miah Fraser, a member of the 2019 ProPrint Emerging 50, coordinates the packages and Foxcil pays for them to be shipped to locations across Australia.

“Foxcil also purchases new items for each care package, including such things as colouring pens, exercise books, stationary as well as some treats for the staff,  Miah Fraser (Prepress Manager, co-ordinates all this and helps bring all the items together. Foxcil then arranges and pays to ship the parcel across Australia to the school – unannounced,” Butchard said.

“The concept is close to Miro Williams (Sales Manager) heart, who grew up in remote Australia, and under stands how removed from Australian society someone in our remote communities can feel.”

Foxcil managing director Roger Kirwan says he is very proud of the initiative of his staff.

“I am really proud of this initiative and for the guys embracing the concept. We agreed we wanted to do something tangible, and real, that will hopefully brighten someone’s day and restore some faith in human nature. What better than a random act of kindness,” Kirwan said.

“We sincerely hope that this small gesture can make someone (both teachers and students) feel less isolated, and re affirm that they all are a valued part of the Australian community.

“The program started 3 months ago and we have received thanks and gratitude from the first schools whom we have sent packages to, which has been heart-warming to all our staff.”

Comment below to have your say on this story.

If you have a news story or tip-off, get in touch at editorial@sprinter.com.au.  

Sign up to the Sprinter newsletter