Was that another year that just flew past? It’s kind of unbelievable to look back at how it unfolded at such a frenetic pace. 2022 delivered us challenges and triumphs, both within the Books in Homes team and also for the individuals in our broader community. We are mindful of our supporters and heartened by your endurance and exuberance…. and despite the obstacles of the past few years your commitment to our cause has never waned. We’re exceptionally grateful to you all… our Sponsors, Donors, Role Models, schools and communities. Thank you upfront for all that you’ve done for us during our 21st year of existence in Australia. Your dedication has resulted in the distribution of 102,070 books through 2022. This means we are fast approaching our 2.9 million books distributed threshold, which we will achieve during Term 1, 2023. Congratulations to everyone for every part you played in contributing to and helping Books in Homes complete another successful year in our carrying out our mission.

In 2022, Books in Homes fulfilled 27,985 student orders and delivered 81,745 books-of-choice for participating students to own and share in their own home. In addition, 15,636 Preview Pack books were delivered to the schools and communities for integration into their libraries so that all participating children could access all the books made available through Books in Homes. A further 4,584 Caught Being Good books and Certificates were also distributed to the schools and communities to use as rewards for children for whatever reasons they determined. Once again, well done and thank you to everyone involved with Books in Homes!

Books play a great part in the gift of giving at Christmas, and we thank our Donors for thinking of those children around Australia who will most likely not receive a single book as a gift in their home. That’s one of the reasons why Books in Homes exists, to give the gift of reading where it may otherwise not be possible. If you have any thoughts of making a Christmas wish for children, then please think of Books in Homes and help us start 2023 with even bigger goals!

We still have several days before the end of the year so if the timing is right, please consider donating to any of our campaigns that resonate with you. We have our general Books in Homes campaign where funds are used across Australia; our Western Sydney campaign, as well as our Postage Fund, which is always in need of donations to help us re-home our donated books across Australia. Every dollar helps, and every book in the home makes a positive impact.

It’s time to sign off on 2022! Thank you for being part of the Books in Homes journey that seeks to fulfil our greater vision—to create an Australia where every child and family has access to books in the home.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and the New Year to you and your families!