AS the festive season approaches, Redlands Evening VIEW Club members are appealing to the community to share their Christmas giving to ensure children in struggling families do not miss out.
VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, is a year-round community sponsor of disadvantaged Australian students through The Smith Family.
Over the Christmas period, the club will hold a Christmas gift wrapping event and a street stall selling handmade Christmas gifts, food and pot plants.
Money raised will help to sponsor five disadvantaged Australian students, providing financial support for education essentials such as uniforms, books and excursions, personal support from a Smith Family team member, and access to out-of-school learning and mentoring programs.
VIEW Club President Lorna Daddo said the Christmas appeal would be vital in ensuring these students had equal access to education.
“Often we see family hardships have a flow on effect for a child's educational journey,” Ms Daddo said.
“Children may not have the things they need for school such as uniforms and books (and) they may find it hard to keep up and struggle to fit in or have a sense of belonging.
“This can lead to a loss in motivation over time, underachieving and a risk of students dropping out.
“Funds raised through The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal will ensure more children have access to the education support they need to succeed at school and open up opportunities for themselves.”
Across Australia, the VIEW Club has 15,000 members who fundraise and volunteer for The Smith Family.
“Many of us have seen firsthand how the charity’s long-term educational support is transforming the lives of children and setting them on a pathway out of poverty,” Ms Daddo said.
The Smith Family chief executive Lisa O’Brien said they were grateful for VIEW’s support.
More information on The Smith Family Christmas appeal can be found at thesmithfamily.com.au.
