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Time Business News
29-06-2025
- General
- Time Business News
How to Choose the Perfect Charity Gift in Australia for Every Occasion
Gift-giving is an age-old tradition that connects people through celebration, appreciation, and love. But in a world increasingly aware of sustainability, ethics, and social impact, many Australians are choosing more meaningful ways to give. Enter: charity gifts in Australia—presents that give twice, offering both a thoughtful gesture to your recipient and tangible support to someone in need. Whether it's a birthday, holiday, wedding, or a simple thank-you, a well-chosen charity gift speaks volumes about your values and your connection to the recipient. In this guide, we'll explore how to select the perfect charity gift for every occasion and why this growing trend is transforming the art of gifting. Charity gifts are donations made on behalf of someone else, usually accompanied by a symbolic token or certificate. These gifts support a range of causes such as education, healthcare, animal welfare, environmental conservation, and humanitarian aid. Many Australian charities now offer curated gift programs—often with options like: Feeding a family Planting trees Providing school supplies for children Funding medical treatment or clean water Supporting mental health services You can often choose from physical cards, e-gift certificates, or even unique fair-trade items that directly benefit artisans or producers. The rise of charity gifts in Australia isn't a coincidence. It reflects a broader cultural shift toward conscious consumerism, empathy, and environmental responsibility. Reducing waste : Charity gifts avoid unnecessary packaging and unwanted items : Charity gifts avoid unnecessary packaging and unwanted items Creating lasting impact : The money spent goes directly to life-changing causes : The money spent goes directly to life-changing causes Offering personalization : Gifts can be tailored to reflect the recipient's values : Gifts can be tailored to reflect the recipient's values Tax benefits : Most charity donations in Australia are tax-deductible : Most charity donations in Australia are tax-deductible Social value: It's a great way to spread awareness about important issues Let's dive into how you can tailor charity gifts in Australia for each special event or milestone. Birthdays are ideal for charity gifts, especially when the person 'has everything.' Instead of a novelty mug or a pair of socks, choose a gift that reflects their interests. Ideas: Sponsor an endangered animal for an animal lover (WWF Australia or Australian Koala Foundation) Donate school supplies in their name (The Smith Family) Fund music lessons for underprivileged children for a musician friend Tip: Pair the donation with a customized card that explains the impact of their gift. Many modern couples request donations instead of traditional wedding gifts, aligning with a minimalist or ethical lifestyle. Ideas: Provide clean water to a remote village Fund women's shelters or domestic violence recovery programs Support community housing or refugee services Some platforms even allow couples to set up a dedicated fundraising page guests can contribute to. Top Australian charities offering wedding gift options: Oxfam Unwrapped Australian Red Cross Habitat for Humanity Australia Charity gifts are perfect for the holiday season—especially when you want to avoid commercialism and instead emphasize generosity and goodwill. Ideas: Give a goat, chicken, or pig to a family in a developing country (TEAR Australia or Plan International) Donate a food hamper to a struggling Australian family (Foodbank Australia) Gift a warm bed for a homeless person on Christmas Eve (The Salvation Army) Bonus: Many charities offer festive e-gift cards or physical tree ornaments that symbolize the gift. For couples who cherish shared values, a charity gift that reflects their love for people, animals, or the planet is incredibly romantic. Ideas: Adopt a coral reef or plant a tree in their name Contribute to a project supporting Indigenous communities Sponsor a classroom in a developing country Match the cause to a shared passion you both believe in. Celebrate academic milestones with charity gifts that promote education, literacy, or youth empowerment. Ideas: Sponsor a student's education for a year Fund access to technology or books for rural schools Support mental health initiatives for teenagers These gifts carry a powerful message of paying it forward. Move beyond flowers and ties with meaningful gestures. Ideas: Give livestock or farming tools to a mother in need (symbolic of a hardworking mum) Fund a health check or vaccination for a child Support a charity that provides parental support services in Australia Add a heartfelt note to make the impact personal and emotional. Many businesses are now opting for charity gifts in Australia as part of their social responsibility strategies. These gifts are not only tax-efficient but also boost brand goodwill. Ideas: Donate on behalf of clients or employees during the holidays Give fair-trade gifts sourced from ethical cooperatives Offer e-gift cards that let recipients choose their preferred cause Organizations like Good2Give and Karma Currency provide platforms to facilitate corporate donations. Not all charities are created equal. Ensure that your gift will truly make a difference by selecting a reputable organization. Transparency : Does the charity show where the money goes? : Does the charity show where the money goes? Registration : Are they a registered Australian charity (ACNC)? : Are they a registered Australian charity (ACNC)? Impact reports : Do they publish data or stories showing real outcomes? : Do they publish data or stories showing real outcomes? Ethical alignment: Do their values match yours or the recipient's? Check out platforms like: ACNC Charity Register ChangePath Personalize it : Attach a card or email that explains what the donation supports : Attach a card or email that explains what the donation supports Give options : Let recipients choose from a list of causes : Let recipients choose from a list of causes Keep timing in mind : Some gifts, like food or emergency relief, are more impactful seasonally : Some gifts, like food or emergency relief, are more impactful seasonally Share the impact: Send a follow-up note or email when the charity shares updates One of the most beautiful aspects of giving charity gifts in Australia is the ripple effect. Not only does your gift directly benefit a person, animal, or community—it often inspires the recipient and others to adopt more conscious gifting habits. From reducing waste to solving real-world problems, each act of generosity makes the world a bit brighter. Charity gifts are no longer niche — they're the future of meaningful, ethical, and impactful giving. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply showing appreciation, there's a charity gift perfectly suited for every occasion. So the next time you reach for a gift catalog or shop online, pause for a moment. Could your money do more? Could your gift change a life? In Australia, the answer is yes—and it starts with giving from the heart. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
The Age
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Age
Four years ago, 800 teenagers left school. Then, they were tracked
The study monitored 800 students who left high school in 2020 while receiving support from the charity. Unsurprisingly, better school attendance, higher grades and completing year 12 were all associated with better employment and training outcomes, the research found, but access to career advice was fundamental to success. 'Highly engaged young people had clear goals, strong support networks and well-developed career management skills. They successfully navigated alternative pathways, overcame setbacks and adjusted plans while staying on track,' the report said. Last year, the long-awaited Universities Accord set a target for students from poorer backgrounds to make up 25 per cent of university places. The Rudd government in 2009 set a target of 20 per cent, but universities have so far failed to achieve anywhere close to that. There were 66,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds in tertiary education in 2023, federal Department of Education data shows, about 16.9 per cent of all students. There has also been a decline in the number of students taking up initial teacher education degrees, as well as a slight decrease in those taking up nursing, while society and culture courses were also down. By comparison, information technology, engineering and hospitality and personal service courses were up, the data released in March showed. Loading The Smith Family said its report indicated schools needed to focus on intentional career development learning which should include personalised career advice and support. The report also found while 87 per cent of young people from a disadvantaged background were either working or studying three years after leaving high school, those who had work were often in insecure, part-time jobs which had very limited opportunities for promotion. The charity's head of research and advocacy Anne Hampshire said career counselling must connect young people with the world of work beyond school. 'Many of the young people we spoke to wanted much more personalised careers advice, thinking about what they were interested in, helping them to connect to employers, helping them to get exposure to different industries and particularly new jobs that are going to be created in the future,' she said. 'We cannot expect the one lone careers adviser to provide that support for the whole of the school. What works much, much more is when there are partnerships developed ... to really support within the school, young people to have access to employers, to universities.' McCullough knows the value of supporting boys from disadvantaged backgrounds first-hand. After his stints as a plumber and plasterer, he landed a job as a trainee with Top Blokes, a charity organisation which runs mentoring programs for young men focused on healthy masculinity, respectful relationships, mental health, leadership, and positive decision-making. 'I wanted to do something where I can connect with people more on that psychological level,' he said. Sara Abdalhadi graduated from Liverpool Girls High School last year and knew she always wanted to be a doctor. Having the goal was the easy part: actually securing a spot in a pre-med program meant she needed to be tactical about her academic focus. Fortunately, career counselling was readily available at her school. 'My career adviser was my rock,' she said. She met her every fortnight last year and, Abdalhadi said, helped her balance the competing priorities of getting the required ATAR, scoring well in the medical school admissions test and succeeding in an interview. 'I think she kept me going. Like, obviously, everyone has their bad days, and everyone loses hope sometimes, especially when you're coming from, like, a school that is not as recognised as other schools,' she said.
Sydney Morning Herald
14-06-2025
- Business
- Sydney Morning Herald
Four years ago, 800 teenagers left school. Then, they were tracked
The study monitored 800 students who left high school in 2020 while receiving support from the charity. Unsurprisingly, better school attendance, higher grades and completing year 12 were all associated with better employment and training outcomes, the research found, but access to career advice was fundamental to success. 'Highly engaged young people had clear goals, strong support networks and well-developed career management skills. They successfully navigated alternative pathways, overcame setbacks and adjusted plans while staying on track,' the report said. Last year, the long-awaited Universities Accord set a target for students from poorer backgrounds to make up 25 per cent of university places. The Rudd government in 2009 set a target of 20 per cent, but universities have so far failed to achieve anywhere close to that. There were 66,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds in tertiary education in 2023, federal Department of Education data shows, about 16.9 per cent of all students. There has also been a decline in the number of students taking up initial teacher education degrees, as well as a slight decrease in those taking up nursing, while society and culture courses were also down. By comparison, information technology, engineering and hospitality and personal service courses were up, the data released in March showed. Loading The Smith Family said its report indicated schools needed to focus on intentional career development learning which should include personalised career advice and support. The report also found while 87 per cent of young people from a disadvantaged background were either working or studying three years after leaving high school, those who had work were often in insecure, part-time jobs which had very limited opportunities for promotion. The charity's head of research and advocacy Anne Hampshire said career counselling must connect young people with the world of work beyond school. 'Many of the young people we spoke to wanted much more personalised careers advice, thinking about what they were interested in, helping them to connect to employers, helping them to get exposure to different industries and particularly new jobs that are going to be created in the future,' she said. 'We cannot expect the one lone careers adviser to provide that support for the whole of the school. What works much, much more is when there are partnerships developed ... to really support within the school, young people to have access to employers, to universities.' McCullough knows the value of supporting boys from disadvantaged backgrounds first-hand. After his stints as a plumber and plasterer, he landed a job as a trainee with Top Blokes, a charity organisation which runs mentoring programs for young men focused on healthy masculinity, respectful relationships, mental health, leadership, and positive decision-making. 'I wanted to do something where I can connect with people more on that psychological level,' he said. Sara Abdalhadi graduated from Liverpool Girls High School last year and knew she always wanted to be a doctor. Having the goal was the easy part: actually securing a spot in a pre-med program meant she needed to be tactical about her academic focus. Fortunately, career counselling was readily available at her school. 'My career adviser was my rock,' she said. She met her every fortnight last year and, Abdalhadi said, helped her balance the competing priorities of getting the required ATAR, scoring well in the medical school admissions test and succeeding in an interview. 'I think she kept me going. Like, obviously, everyone has their bad days, and everyone loses hope sometimes, especially when you're coming from, like, a school that is not as recognised as other schools,' she said.
The Advertiser
13-06-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
'I didn't see the point': why more Aussie students are leaving school early
Riley Valentine has never regretted leaving school early. She now works full time in a childcare centre looking after and educating three- and four-year-olds, something she knew from early high school was her career path. Ms Valentine, 21, left school at the end of year 11 and got her qualifications at TAFE in Sydney. "Me sitting through things that don't interest me at all - I didn't see the point to follow through if I knew what I wanted to do," she said. "It was easier access [than university] in the way that I could get in and do it earlier." Ms Valentine is not alone. More than 20 per cent of all Australian students drop out before the end of year 12 - and the rate is higher at government schools where one in four don't finish. The proportion of children completing high school has been steadily declining in Australia over the past 10 years, with some variation, according to the latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services. In 2017, the retention rate for full time students in years 10 to 12 was 83.3 per cent. By 2024, that had dropped to 79.9 per cent. The same year the retention rate at public schools was 74.3 per cent, down from 79.8 per cent seven years earlier, although a slight increase since 2023. The head of research and advocacy at The Smith Family, Anne Hampshire, said there were two groups of early leavers and the first had positive post-school experiences, with a clear career pathway through apprenticeships and other vocational training. The second group was more cause for concern. "What's happening to them is they're being pushed out of school, in inverted commas, for a range of reasons. "And that could be they've had poor literacy and numeracy, they're not doing very well academically; they start to fall behind, they can't catch up," she said. They could even be bullied, have mental health problems, complex home lives - or a combination of these. "Some of them, they can't see the purpose in completing year 12," Ms Hampshire said. "And so, for them, they end up drifting out of school by these much more negative factors." Ms Hampshire said there was a strong link between finishing year 12 and positive work and study outcomes post-school. "Their engagement in post-school employment, education, training is much more precarious and uncertain, which is not good for them individually, but it's also not good for us as a nation," she said. Having ready access to dedicated careers advice in school was increasingly important as the skills needed for jobs became more sophisticated in a rapidly-changing, knowledge-based economy. "Many young people across the country aren't getting that high quality career support," Ms Hampshire said. "They might have one careers advisor for a large school of 1200 students." Efforts to lift literacy and numeracy levels at a primary school level were also crucial after the latest NAPLAN results showed about one in three students fell short of basic standards. And Ms Hampshire said children from poorer backgrounds and regional areas needed additional assistance to stay in school. But for Riley Valentine, there are no regrets - and even her parents eventually warmed to the idea of her quitting school in favour of TAFE. "At the start, because I mentioned it very early, they weren't on board with it," Ms Valentine said. "But later down the track, I think they realised how much I actually didn't belong in school, or they realised how much I wanted to do other things." Riley Valentine has never regretted leaving school early. She now works full time in a childcare centre looking after and educating three- and four-year-olds, something she knew from early high school was her career path. Ms Valentine, 21, left school at the end of year 11 and got her qualifications at TAFE in Sydney. "Me sitting through things that don't interest me at all - I didn't see the point to follow through if I knew what I wanted to do," she said. "It was easier access [than university] in the way that I could get in and do it earlier." Ms Valentine is not alone. More than 20 per cent of all Australian students drop out before the end of year 12 - and the rate is higher at government schools where one in four don't finish. The proportion of children completing high school has been steadily declining in Australia over the past 10 years, with some variation, according to the latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services. In 2017, the retention rate for full time students in years 10 to 12 was 83.3 per cent. By 2024, that had dropped to 79.9 per cent. The same year the retention rate at public schools was 74.3 per cent, down from 79.8 per cent seven years earlier, although a slight increase since 2023. The head of research and advocacy at The Smith Family, Anne Hampshire, said there were two groups of early leavers and the first had positive post-school experiences, with a clear career pathway through apprenticeships and other vocational training. The second group was more cause for concern. "What's happening to them is they're being pushed out of school, in inverted commas, for a range of reasons. "And that could be they've had poor literacy and numeracy, they're not doing very well academically; they start to fall behind, they can't catch up," she said. They could even be bullied, have mental health problems, complex home lives - or a combination of these. "Some of them, they can't see the purpose in completing year 12," Ms Hampshire said. "And so, for them, they end up drifting out of school by these much more negative factors." Ms Hampshire said there was a strong link between finishing year 12 and positive work and study outcomes post-school. "Their engagement in post-school employment, education, training is much more precarious and uncertain, which is not good for them individually, but it's also not good for us as a nation," she said. Having ready access to dedicated careers advice in school was increasingly important as the skills needed for jobs became more sophisticated in a rapidly-changing, knowledge-based economy. "Many young people across the country aren't getting that high quality career support," Ms Hampshire said. "They might have one careers advisor for a large school of 1200 students." Efforts to lift literacy and numeracy levels at a primary school level were also crucial after the latest NAPLAN results showed about one in three students fell short of basic standards. And Ms Hampshire said children from poorer backgrounds and regional areas needed additional assistance to stay in school. But for Riley Valentine, there are no regrets - and even her parents eventually warmed to the idea of her quitting school in favour of TAFE. "At the start, because I mentioned it very early, they weren't on board with it," Ms Valentine said. "But later down the track, I think they realised how much I actually didn't belong in school, or they realised how much I wanted to do other things." Riley Valentine has never regretted leaving school early. She now works full time in a childcare centre looking after and educating three- and four-year-olds, something she knew from early high school was her career path. Ms Valentine, 21, left school at the end of year 11 and got her qualifications at TAFE in Sydney. "Me sitting through things that don't interest me at all - I didn't see the point to follow through if I knew what I wanted to do," she said. "It was easier access [than university] in the way that I could get in and do it earlier." Ms Valentine is not alone. More than 20 per cent of all Australian students drop out before the end of year 12 - and the rate is higher at government schools where one in four don't finish. The proportion of children completing high school has been steadily declining in Australia over the past 10 years, with some variation, according to the latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services. In 2017, the retention rate for full time students in years 10 to 12 was 83.3 per cent. By 2024, that had dropped to 79.9 per cent. The same year the retention rate at public schools was 74.3 per cent, down from 79.8 per cent seven years earlier, although a slight increase since 2023. The head of research and advocacy at The Smith Family, Anne Hampshire, said there were two groups of early leavers and the first had positive post-school experiences, with a clear career pathway through apprenticeships and other vocational training. The second group was more cause for concern. "What's happening to them is they're being pushed out of school, in inverted commas, for a range of reasons. "And that could be they've had poor literacy and numeracy, they're not doing very well academically; they start to fall behind, they can't catch up," she said. They could even be bullied, have mental health problems, complex home lives - or a combination of these. "Some of them, they can't see the purpose in completing year 12," Ms Hampshire said. "And so, for them, they end up drifting out of school by these much more negative factors." Ms Hampshire said there was a strong link between finishing year 12 and positive work and study outcomes post-school. "Their engagement in post-school employment, education, training is much more precarious and uncertain, which is not good for them individually, but it's also not good for us as a nation," she said. Having ready access to dedicated careers advice in school was increasingly important as the skills needed for jobs became more sophisticated in a rapidly-changing, knowledge-based economy. "Many young people across the country aren't getting that high quality career support," Ms Hampshire said. "They might have one careers advisor for a large school of 1200 students." Efforts to lift literacy and numeracy levels at a primary school level were also crucial after the latest NAPLAN results showed about one in three students fell short of basic standards. And Ms Hampshire said children from poorer backgrounds and regional areas needed additional assistance to stay in school. But for Riley Valentine, there are no regrets - and even her parents eventually warmed to the idea of her quitting school in favour of TAFE. "At the start, because I mentioned it very early, they weren't on board with it," Ms Valentine said. "But later down the track, I think they realised how much I actually didn't belong in school, or they realised how much I wanted to do other things." Riley Valentine has never regretted leaving school early. She now works full time in a childcare centre looking after and educating three- and four-year-olds, something she knew from early high school was her career path. Ms Valentine, 21, left school at the end of year 11 and got her qualifications at TAFE in Sydney. "Me sitting through things that don't interest me at all - I didn't see the point to follow through if I knew what I wanted to do," she said. "It was easier access [than university] in the way that I could get in and do it earlier." Ms Valentine is not alone. More than 20 per cent of all Australian students drop out before the end of year 12 - and the rate is higher at government schools where one in four don't finish. The proportion of children completing high school has been steadily declining in Australia over the past 10 years, with some variation, according to the latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services. In 2017, the retention rate for full time students in years 10 to 12 was 83.3 per cent. By 2024, that had dropped to 79.9 per cent. The same year the retention rate at public schools was 74.3 per cent, down from 79.8 per cent seven years earlier, although a slight increase since 2023. The head of research and advocacy at The Smith Family, Anne Hampshire, said there were two groups of early leavers and the first had positive post-school experiences, with a clear career pathway through apprenticeships and other vocational training. The second group was more cause for concern. "What's happening to them is they're being pushed out of school, in inverted commas, for a range of reasons. "And that could be they've had poor literacy and numeracy, they're not doing very well academically; they start to fall behind, they can't catch up," she said. They could even be bullied, have mental health problems, complex home lives - or a combination of these. "Some of them, they can't see the purpose in completing year 12," Ms Hampshire said. "And so, for them, they end up drifting out of school by these much more negative factors." Ms Hampshire said there was a strong link between finishing year 12 and positive work and study outcomes post-school. "Their engagement in post-school employment, education, training is much more precarious and uncertain, which is not good for them individually, but it's also not good for us as a nation," she said. Having ready access to dedicated careers advice in school was increasingly important as the skills needed for jobs became more sophisticated in a rapidly-changing, knowledge-based economy. "Many young people across the country aren't getting that high quality career support," Ms Hampshire said. "They might have one careers advisor for a large school of 1200 students." Efforts to lift literacy and numeracy levels at a primary school level were also crucial after the latest NAPLAN results showed about one in three students fell short of basic standards. And Ms Hampshire said children from poorer backgrounds and regional areas needed additional assistance to stay in school. But for Riley Valentine, there are no regrets - and even her parents eventually warmed to the idea of her quitting school in favour of TAFE. "At the start, because I mentioned it very early, they weren't on board with it," Ms Valentine said. "But later down the track, I think they realised how much I actually didn't belong in school, or they realised how much I wanted to do other things."
The Guardian
17-02-2025
- General
- The Guardian
The choice many families face: pay bills or buy school essentials
When Mary's primary school-aged son Christopher started refusing to go to class, she felt powerless. She knew he was anxious and afraid to go without the 'right' gear, but Mary was having to make difficult choices between buying school supplies or food for her family. She couldn't afford it all. 'It was an underlying thing of not having what the other kids had,' Mary says. 'You could see the obvious differences of what he had to what they had. So I think that's what made it a lot harder.' Mary's story is increasingly common. The single mum of three lives in rental accommodation north-west of Melbourne. Along with Christopher, now 14, she has another son Kodie, 12, and a daughter, Abbey, 11. They are among the 1.2 million children and young people in Australia who live below the poverty line. While Mary has always tried to give her kids what they need to succeed, she says the soaring cost of living means there's not enough money to go around. 'It's not about trying harder,' she says. 'You try as hard as you can. But sometimes it just doesn't happen.' Mary's financial difficulties are compounded by the fact that she also lives with a chronic illness and has high medical expenses. 'They say it takes a village to raise a kid,' she says, 'but then you're left on the outer and made to feel crappy because you can't provide for them, and you can't give them everything they need.' Christopher's reluctance to attend school was a serious concern. Access to education is a crucial factor in lifting families out of disadvantage. In 2022, during a particularly rough patch, the children's school had an idea. It was involved in a program run by The Smith Family called Learning for Life – which supports students with the essentials they need for their schooling, from uniforms and stationery to academic support and electronic devices – and it suggested Mary give the charity a call. 'It was such a relief when they picked up,' she says. 'It was like having a rock lifted.' Mary and her kids were connected with a Learning for Life coordinator, whose role it is to make sure everyone is getting what they need so children can do their best at school. That can be anything from checking on school reports to creating tailored programs that help kids learn in their own ways, and it's a key part of the way The Smith Family supports families. Photo supplied. Mary now has the internet connected at home, and devices, so each child has access not just to suitable shoes, books and uniforms but also to the digital tools they need for schooling. 'It's opened up the world,' Mary says. For Christopher, it has been life changing. With this extra support, he is back in class five days a week – and loving it. Kate Baddiley is a regional team leader for The Smith Family in Victoria. She sees many families like Mary's doing it tougher than ever. 'Our families are experiencing disadvantage in a variety of ways,' she says. 'It's generally financial disadvantage or financial distress, but that flows into nearly every area of their lives – education being one of those areas.' The cost-of-living crisis is affecting an increasing number of Australian families, and those living with disadvantage are having to make difficult financial decisions, Baddiley says. To get a clearer picture of these pressures, The Smith Family conducts an annual Pulse survey, asking more than 2,000 families about their lives with school-aged children. 'Almost 60% of all survey respondents have found it hard, or very hard, to afford all the things that their children need for school this year,' Baddiley says. And almost 18% said family financial pressures had made the school year difficult for their child in 2024. 'Our families [are] having to make impossible decisions, really, about where they put their money,' Baddiley says. 'Decisions like, do I pay the electricity bill, or do I replace the worn-out school shoes?' NAPLAN figures show that kids experiencing disadvantage are, on average, more than five years behind their most advantaged peers by year 9. Under enormous pressure from rising food and fuel costs, Baddiley says, some families are being forced to move away from familiar schools, further disrupting their children's learning. 'Once you're behind,' she says, 'it's harder to catch up.' Helping these families is complex – but casting blame is not the answer. 'We often speak about families living with disadvantage, rather than they are disadvantaged,' Baddiley says. 'We do that intentionally, because we know that somebody is not their circumstances.' Rather than asking its families to work harder on budgets, The Smith Family offers help in three ways through the Learning for Life program: financial help, program support and local engagement from a dedicated coordinator. 'Having that long-term support allows children and families to engage in a variety of our programs,' Baddiley says, pointing to the organisation's initiatives in learning to read, the arts, career education and more. 'We know that education is a changemaker,' she says. 'If we can get kids to school, we can really break that cycle of disadvantage. They're then empowered and educated to make decisions for themselves and for the future of their family.' For Mary, the future looks quite different these days. Thanks to The Smith Family's ongoing support, Kodie is keen to work as a mechanic, while Abbey is aiming to become a vet. And after participating in Victoria's Blue EDGE program, Christopher also has a new goal: to become a police officer. 'Before we were in The Smith Family, they had no idea what they wanted to do,' Mary says. 'It shows you that through the support and everything they've received, how much more confidence they've grown in themselves. 'It just makes me feel so lucky to be able to be a part of that special group, where I know my kids are going to succeed.' By sponsoring a child with The Smith Family, you can provide financial support to help them make the most of their education and break the cycle of poverty.
