F.Y.I.

The Smith Family, Asahi in national campaign to ease cost of living crisis on children’s education

National children’s education charity The Smith Family has partnered with Asahi Lifestyle Beverages in a national campaign to raise money to ease the cost of living crisis on families.

The announcement:

The cost-of-living crisis is having a major impact on families already experiencing disadvantage and causing worrying disruptions to children’s education, The Smith Family said today.

The national children’s education charity said that as living expenses soar this year, schools and families are reporting that:

  • Children are missing out on basic school items, such as uniforms, books and devices needed for learning
  • Children are coming to school without lunch or not attending because they can’t afford lunch
  • High petrol prices are preventing families from getting their children to school
  • More students are leaving school to work so they can help support their families
  • There is an increase in families living in unstable or temporary accommodation (eg camping in friends’ yards, staying in caravans or motels), which can significantly impact children’s ability to learn
  • Families who can’t afford rental prices are being left with no choice but to move homes and schools, causing disruption and potentially impacting on children’s ability to learn and stay engaged in their schooling

In recognition of these challenges, The Big Giveback campaign has launched across Australia today, aiming to raise more than $500,000 in total to support young Australians.

During the month of August, 10 cents from the sale of non-alcoholic drinks made by Asahi Lifestyle Beverages (formerly Schweppes Australia) will be donated to The Smith Family.

More than 10,000 convenience stores, service stations and major chains across Australia are participating, including Bunnings, Ampol/Caltex sites, Fitness First gyms and Noodle Box stores, to raise funds.

The Smith Family’s CEO Doug Taylor said: “The Big Giveback is launching at the right time to support young Australians in need. What we’re hearing from the schools and families we work with is that families are more stretched than ever before. Families are having to make impossible decisions as to where they spend their dollars each week.

“When families are facing challenges such as lack of affordable housing and rising food bills, it makes it much harder to support children’s education and increases the risk of learning difficulties or disengagement from school altogether. At a time when children are still dealing with the impacts of Covid and catching up on missed learning, the ripple effect of these added financial pressures at home could set them back even further.”

Funds raised from The Big Giveback will be critical in helping The Smith Family almost double the reach of its Learning for Life program over the next five years – from 58,000 students to 100,000 students nationally.

The evidence-based program is proven to help children experiencing disadvantage overcome the educational challenges they face, and gain the self-belief and skills they need to realise their true potential.

Participating students are not only more likely to attend school and do well in their studies, but four in five go on to further education, training or work within a year of leaving the program.

Source: HeadlinePR

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