VIEW Club Calls on Community to Tackle Child Poverty Through Sponsorship

VIEW Club Calls on Community to Tackle Child Poverty Through Sponsorship

XX February2018

VIEW Club calls on community to tackle child poverty through sponsorship

[Name of local club] VIEW Club is calling on the community to helpend poverty one student at a time, by sponsoring an Australian child through The Smith Family children’s education charity.

[XX] disadvantaged students are sponsored by [name of local club] VIEW Club through The Smith Family’sLearning for Lifesponsorship program – which provideslong-term targeted educational support for Australian children in need.

[Name of local club] VIEW Club President [insert name] says whilst their club is making a difference to the lives of these students, the need is so much greater.

“Right now, one in seven children and young people are living below the poverty in line in Australia,” said [insert name].

“The effects of poverty go beyond a child’s home life, affecting their schooling.

“When a child doesn’t have the basics they need for school they can feel different and isolated – and students can become disengaged over time and at risk of dropping out of school early or altogether.

“These students need our help now, and by supporting their education, we can set them on a pathway out of poverty.”

The Smith Family’s sponsorship program supports a child throughout their education journey – starting in primary through to secondary and onto tertiary studies. The program provides disadvantaged students with financial support for education essentials, access to out-of-school learning programs and support from a local Smith Family worker.

“We’ve seen firsthand how sponsorship is making a life-changing difference to the students we sponsor,” [insert name] said.

“Our Club regularly communicates with our sponsored students, writing letters, sending birthday cards and we receive regular updates on students’ school progress.

“[Personalise by insert any uplifting inspirational stories/experiences you’ve had with sponsored students/families. Please ensure you do not mention any students name or identifiable details to maintain students’ anonymity. Examples could include: one of your students may by the first in their family to go to university/had a really positive experience in a Smith Family program/improved their learning dramatically as a result of program]”

“Throughout the year we support the work of The Smith Family and we would love for the [name of community] to join us and lend their support to sponsor a child.Individuals and local businesses are able to sponsor a child and it costs just $1.60 per day.

“The Smith Family has identified more than 4,000 children who are urgently in need of a sponsor.

“For these children, having someone believe in them and support their education can make a lasting difference to their lives.”

VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women. It is one of Australia’s leading women’s volunteer organisations and supports the education of disadvantaged children through The Smith Family. Collectively VIEW is The Smith Family’s largest community sponsor, supporting over 1,200 students nationally.

To sponsor a child, please visit: thesmithfamily.com.au

-Ends-

Media Enquiries: [insert VIEW contact name], VIEW. Ph: [insert contact phone] or email [insert email address]

VIEW:Founded by the General Secretary of The Smith Family, George Forbes, in 1960 to support the charitable work of The Smith Family, VIEW stands for the Voice, Interests and Education of Women. It is one of Australia’s leading women’s volunteer organisations and support networks, and empowers women to have their voices heard on issues of importance for the future wellbeing of Australian society.

The Smith Family:The Smith Family is a national children’s education charity that helps disadvantaged young Australians to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves.

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