1.1 million Australian kids live in poverty and can’t afford essential supplies, with the average Australian teacher spending $500 a year out of their own pockets to buy classroom essentials.
These startling statistics inspired Lance Kalish and Ido Leffler to create Yoobi, a school supplies business with an aim to create change.
The business follows a one-for-one model in which they match each purchase with a donation to a classroom in need.
Lance and Ido were determined that small businesses can turn a profit and make the world a better place.
Yoobi began donating products to charities including the Smith Family, and since then, has donated school supplies to more than 3 million children around the world.
This year, Yoobi has joined relief efforts helping schools in hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico, a country already struggling with severe economic hardship.
Yoobi sent 500 Yoobi Classroom Packs to help 15,000 students, while Yoobi teams built benches, painted walls, assembled desks and play areas.
Want to find out the secret to small business success? Tune into #BizSecretsSBS at Sundays 7am & 5pm on SBS, stream on SBS On Demand, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
