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$2.35M donation shortfall means disadvantaged kids risk missing out

Media releases

10 June 2015

Thousands of disadvantaged children across Australia risk missing out on essential educational support as The Smith Family falls short of its $3.5 million 2015 Winter Appeal fundraising target.

The national children’s charity needs to raise another $2.35 million to meet its target and is urging Australians to open their hearts and dig deep to help disadvantaged children succeed at school.

The Smith Family CEO, Dr Lisa O’Brien, said: “Increased living costs are affecting all Australians, but particularly those families who were already doing it tough and need our help with their children’s schooling.

“Our annual Winter Appeal funds vital before and after school learning programs to 9,575 disadvantaged children across Australia,” Dr O’Brien said, “There is a risk, however, that many children could miss out if we don’t raise the money we need to keep these initiatives going.

“We are extremely grateful for the donations we have received so far, but we have a long way to go to hit our critical target.

“Helping disadvantaged children to do well at school is an effective way to help them break the cycle of poverty and in these tough times they need our support more than ever.

“Research shows that children who grow up in financial disadvantage are more likely to experience financial hardship as adults – they continue the cycle.

“By supporting these children to participate fully in their education, we can empower Australian children in need to create a better future for themselves, their families and potentially, future generations.

“Today I’m asking all Australians to take a moment to think about these disadvantaged children and to please, give generously to our Winter Appeal. Help them get the life-changing support they need.”

There is more than one in 10 or 638,000 children living in jobless families in Australia¹. By supporting a child through school – from the early years right through to tertiary education - The Smith Family is able to improve their opportunities and outcomes in life.

Anyone wishing to donate to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal can phone 1800 024 069 or visit our website at www.thesmithfamily.com.au

¹Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Labour force, Australia: Labour force status and other characteristics of families, June 2012

Media contacts:

Andrew Dickson | National Media Manager (National) - 0421 285 529 | andrew.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Carla Horton | Senior Media Advisor (QLD & WA) - 0423 618 776 | carla.horton@thesmithfamily.com.au
Reid Jermyn | Media Advisor (VIC, SA & NT) - 0412 803 566 | reid.jermyn@thesmithfamily.com.au
Ben Chenoweth | Senior Media Advisor (NSW, ACT & TAS) - 0413 346 934 | ben.chenoweth@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to create better futures for themselves through harnessing the power of education. We partner with around 800 Australian schools and work with over 162,000 children and young people experiencing disadvantage access our education support programs to help them overcome . For more information, visit thesmithfamily.com.au