All they want for Christmas is an education.
In Australia, one in six children are growing up in poverty.
This concerning statistic has led the Shepparton Day View Club to urge the community to support The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal, which aims to fund educational programs for children in need in 2025.
The ambitious national fundraising target is set at $4.91 million, designed to bring critical learning and mentoring programs to over 11,700 disadvantaged students.
All funds raised during the Christmas appeal will be allocated to programs focused on numeracy, literacy, tutoring, digital skills, and mentoring.
Shepparton Day View Club president Susanne Wright said it would not only help students catch up but keep up at school, noting the rising cost of living limiting their ability to make the most of their education.
“For families who were already doing it tough, the higher cost of living means having to make tough choices between everyday bills and being able to support their children’s education,” she said.
“There’s no better time than Christmas to show them our generosity.”
For more information on the appeal, visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au or call 1800 024 069.
For more information about the Shepparton Day View Club and how to join, visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au/view-clubs/about-us or call 1800 805 366, Judi Tinker at 0429 991 391, or Jo Smith at 0466 324 099.