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Strangers cared about Paul’s future: now he’s giving that gift to others

Supporters

13 September 2024

Paul was raised by his grandparents in a public housing community in Nowra. In Year 6 he joined the Learning for Life program and was supported throughout high school and university. Today he is a successful solicitor and an elected local government representative.

As a solicitor Paul will often help people through the process of leaving a gift in their Will to charity. When a client tells Paul they are leaving a gift in their Will to The Smith Family, it speaks volumes to him.

That person is making a decision that will help future generations of Australian children. Their gift will unlock ongoing support for children experiencing disadvantage – like he once was – so they can get the most out of their education and reach their full potential. Whether this means completing Year 12, going onto further study or getting an apprenticeship, this support can be life changing. A gift in Will has the power to help future generations of young Australians overcome the educational inequality caused by poverty. What an extraordinary legacy to leave: a more fair and equal society.

“While a Will is a statement of love and gratitude for our family and friends, it can also have a positive lifechanging impact on others,” Paul says. “There is no greater act of kindness and generosity than gifting some – or even all of your estate – to support the educational aspirations of the next generation.”

Recently Paul made this incredible commitment himself. He knows firsthand that it’s a powerful way to make lasting change. “I remain eternally grateful for the support I received through The Smith Family," Paul says. "I didn’t hesitate to make the decision this year to include a gift for The Smith Family in my Will. I encourage anyone else who can to do the same – you won’t regret it.”

Through the transformative power of education, we can make sure everyone has the right to be somebody, the right to step out from the shadows and the right to rise.

Paul, lawyer and former Learning for Life student

Read more student and family stories in our Spring 2024 edition of Real People, Real Stories

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