Mackay VIEW Backs Winter Appeal For Kids In Need

Mackay VIEW Club is calling on the community to dig deep for The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal, to help break the cycle of disadvantage for thousands of children and young people struggling to access education.

The appeal comes at a time when Australians are increasingly aware of the issue, with The Smith Family’s latest Community Attitudes Survey revealing that 83 per cent of respondents believe tackling childhood poverty should be a top national priority.

The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor said, “Poverty shouldn’t limit a child’s potential,” explaining the charity’s mission behind the annual Winter Appeal, which launched last week.

This year’s appeal aims to raise almost $8 million by the end of June 2025 to support students with access to out-of-school educational programs that are proven to make a difference.

“The results of our Community Attitudes Survey show Australians recognise poverty has an impact on a child’s education,” Mr Taylor said.

“However, what many people don’t see are the hidden impacts of disadvantage and the incredible emotional, social and academic toll that can have on students during and after their schooling.

“But the right educational support at the right time through The Smith Family’s evidence-based programs can make all the difference to those students and give them the tools and resources to fulfill their potential.”

By donating to the Winter Appeal, he said, Australians can help provide children with vital learning tools to help them get the most from their education and set themselves up for a brighter future.

Among the programs supported through the appeal are student2student, a peer-based reading initiative that pairs older students with younger learners for weekly reading sessions, and Learning Clubs – free, after-school programs that offer academic support and tutoring.

“The evidence-based programs The Smith Family is delivering are as crucial as the financial and personal support we provide to students and families,” Mr Taylor said.

“Of the children participating in student2student, 94 per cent say they improved their reading, while 81 per cent of those taking part in Learning Club say it helped them do better in the classroom.

“For people in a position to do so, please consider donating to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal. Your donation today can have an enormous, life-changing impact for a student.”

“Let’s make tackling childhood poverty and educational inequality a priority, beginning this winter.”

Locally, the Mackay VIEW Club is the proud sponsor of four students through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, with funds raised through community efforts. VIEW – which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women – is a national women’s network that supports disadvantaged students while also offering its members social opportunities and personal development.

To find out more about VIEW or how to get involved, visit view.org.au or call Mackay VIEW President Elizabeth on 0438 715 731.

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