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Canberra Today 20°/24° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Smith Family cries poor after winter appeal

WITH only one week to go The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal for disadvantaged students in the ACT has experienced a 64 per cent shortfall on its fundraising efforts.

A further $138,000 is needed to reach the $215,000 target to help 900 disadvantaged Canberra students.

Across the country, the appeal has experienced a 50 per cent shortfall, with $1.84 million still needed to be raised to meet the national fundraising target of $3.7 million.

“It is devastating to think these kids are missing out on making the most of their education that would help them escape hardship and achieve a better future for themselves,” said Dr Lisa O’Brien, chief executive officer of The Smith Family.

“It’s essential we give these children the means to reach their potential through education to ensure they the best possible chance for a future that includes choices and opportunities. Education transforms lives, not just minds. A donation to our Winter Appeal will help kids in need and I really want these children to get the future they deserve.”

The Winter Appeal allows The Smith Family to provide learning support and mentoring programs to thousands of disadvantaged children in need across Australia.

To support the Winter Appeal, which runs until June 30 , call 1800 024 069 or visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au. All donations are fully tax deductible.

[box]If the Winter Appeal target is reached, The Smith Family can provide:

? Supportive learning environments for disadvantaged kids to develop essential skills in after school Learning Clubs;
? A chance for kids in need, with below average reading ability, to improve their reading skills through reading program student2student;
? Young adults with the opportunity to chat with mentors to discuss career and job pathways through the online mentoring program iTrack. [/box]

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