Nepean Evening VIEW Club is urging the local community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to support thousands of children and young people experiencing disadvantage with their education.
It comes as The Smith Family’s latest Community Attitudes Survey of the Australian public, shows four out of five respondents (83%) believe that tackling childhood poverty should be a top national priority.
The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says “poverty shouldn’t limit a child’s potential”.
The Appeal aims to raise almost $8 million by the end of June 2025 to support students experiencing disadvantage by providing access to proven out-of-school educational programs.
“The results of our Community Attitudes Survey show Australians recognise poverty has an impact on a child’s education,” Mr Taylor says.
“However, what many people don’t see are the hidden impacts of disadvantage and the incredible emotional, social, and academic toll that can have on students during and after their schooling.
“But the right educational support at the right time through The Smith Family’s evidence-based programs can make all the difference to
those students and give them the tools and resources to fulfill their
potential.
“By donating to the Winter Appeal, Australians can help young people most in need by giving them access to extra learning tools, so they can get the most out of their education and create better futures for themselves.”
The Smith family’s student2student is a one-on-one program that brings an older and younger student together to read once a week.
Learning Clubs are a free, after-school-hours support program that offers tutoring and help to students with homework and assignments.
“The evidence-based programs The Smith Family is delivering are as crucial as the financial and personal support we provide to students and families,” Mr Taylor says.
“Of the children participating in student2student, 94% say they improved their reading, whilst 81% of those taking part in Learning Club say it helped them to do better in the classroom.
“For people in a position to do so, please consider donating to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal,” Mr Taylor says.
“Donations mean we can support more students with access to our programs and provide more help for children and young people experiencing disadvantage.
“Your donation today can have an enormous, life-changing impact for a student.
“Let’s make tackling childhood poverty and educational inequality a priority, beginning this winter.”
VIEW is a national women’s organisation with over 13,000 members in close to 280 communities exclusively supporting children’s education charity The Smith family. Members enjoy social activities while developing skills and making connections. The volunteers of Nepean-Evening VIEW Club support 5 students through the club’s fundraising activities. To find out more visit view.org.au or email: nepeanview@gmail.com
