36% of Latvian families can dedicate up to EUR 100 to prepare their child for school

In preparation for the new school year, some Latvian families can devote fewer financial resources to purchasing school supplies than they actually need. The AKROPOLE shopping and entertainment centre survey shows that a third of respondents (36%) will be able to spend up to EUR 100 to prepare their child for school, 39% will be able to spend up to EUR 250 on school supplies, and only 12% will spend more than EUR 250. 

When asked what budget they would actually need to buy all the school supplies, only 18% of respondents said they would need up to EUR 100, while 39% said they would need between EUR 100 and EUR 250. The biggest increase was in the EUR 250–500 category, as 27% of respondents said that is the budget required to prepare their child for school.

For 9 more days, until 30 August, people are invited to donate new school supplies and financial resources to support low-income Latvian families and Ukrainian refugee families as part of the “Let’s help prepare for school together!” charity campaign. Currently the most needed items are backpacks, stationery, formal and sports clothing and footwear, as well as lunch boxes and water bottles.

“Being materially prepared for school can have a significant impact on the learning process, therefore we are very happy that AKROPOLE shopping centres have the opportunity to continue this heartfelt tradition and, with the support of fellow people, to collect donations for low-income families in Latvia. In just over two weeks, people have shown great generosity by leaving school supplies, as well as cash and non-cash donations in the donation boxes at AKROPOLE Rīga and AKROPOLE Alfa. I invite everyone who is willing and able to join the charity campaign to do a good deed by making a donation in one of AKROPOLE shopping centres or on the ziedot.lv website until 30 August,” comments Aija Urbāne-Orbāne, Marketing Manager of the shopping centres AKROPOLE Rīga and AKROPOLE Alfa.

“I sincerely thank everyone who has so far donated funds and practical school supplies so that the first families can be supported and their children prepared for school. Up to now, Ziedot.lv has received applications from 185 Latvian families in need and 150 requests for help from Ukrainian refugee families, but we cannot help everyone yet. So, for the next 9 days, please continue to donate school supplies and financial resources to help everyone prepare for school together!” invites Rūta Dimanta, Head of Ziedot.lv.

In the special “Let’s help prepare for school together!” donation boxes located in AKROPOLE Rīga and AKROPOLE Alfa shopping centres, people can donate a variety of school supplies, as well as formal and sports clothing and footwear. You can also support financially by donating via bank transfer on the Ziedot.lv website, at virtual donation booths or in the cash donation boxes located at both shopping centres. The amount of the donation is voluntary.

The charity campaign is organised by AKROPOLE shopping centres in cooperation with the charity organisation Ziedot.lv, the research agency Norstat and the parents’ organisation Mammamuntetiem.lv. All donated school items and funds will be donated to low-income Latvian and Ukrainian refugee families who have applied for help.