Help provide vital educational support to 11,705 Australian children this Christmas.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Partnerships
  Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- VIEW clubs of Australia
  Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child
  Through child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
Login
Child Sponsorship
Donate now

Donate now

Anita's volunteer work helps students in need

Volunteers

29 July 2018

“When I read about The Smith Family's mission, it sounded perfect for me. Supporting a child’s education is something I really believe in,” says Anita, Smith Family volunteer.

It was five years ago that Anita walked into our Volunteer Coordination Unit (VCU) for her first day. The VCU is our central hub for the registration, screening and matching of Smith Family volunteers to various activities across the organisation. It looks after everything from the online promotion of volunteer opportunities, registering interest from corporate and community volunteers and screening activities such as conducting Working with Children Checks.

Anita is just one of nearly 9,000 volunteers who make our work possible every year. With a background in non-government organisations, she loves knowing that her professional experience is helping students in need.

There are so many benefits to being part of such an impressive and innovative organisation.

The Smith Family has a very solid track record and I think that’s something people would want to be part of," said Anita.

Last year alone, volunteers contributed 464,614 hours, valued at the equivalent of $13.9 million. Without volunteer support, we would not be able to deliver our learning and support programs. The roles are as diverse as our volunteers’ skills, including assisting with projects, being part of in-house administrative teams and tutoring and mentoring to help disadvantaged students.

On top of the tangible outcomes of her work, Anita relishes the sense of community.

“I'm responsible for enrolling and screening applicants for volunteer roles Australia-wide. I also train new VCU volunteers, which I enjoy. It's a training ground for younger volunteers who seek experience or want to learn office skills.

“For others, they can contribute their time and their talents for a very good cause. Then, after all that, you have great camaraderie with like-minded people - that's the icing on the cake for me!”

If you would like to find out about volunteer opportunities in your area, go to: thesmithfamily.com.au/get-involved/volunteer

Even though my role is an admin support role, I find it deeply satisfying to help the organisation's mission.