VIEW Club calls on community to support The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 12, 2024 Bonville-Boambee VIEW Club members enjoying one of their lunch meetings. BONVILLE-Boambee VIEW Club is urging the local community to give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal this year, to support thousands of children and young people with their education. The education charity is aiming to raise $7.2 million nationally to help 17,000 additional students across Australia take part in its proven learning and mentoring programs. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au It comes as a survey released by the charity found the majority of Australians have seen child poverty worsen in the last twelve months, with more than four out of five people agreeing that extra support for education is key to helping children and young people experiencing disadvantage. CEO of The Smith Family, Doug Taylor, said while inflation is affecting all Australians, the most vulnerable members of our community are faring the worst. “It’s been a particularly challenging time for the students and families we support, with the cost-of-living crisis affecting the price of housing, food, and power,” he said. “Families are having to make impossible decisions about where they spend their limited funds. “This could mean paying for school essentials like digital devices or paying for a meal on the table.” “By donating to the Winter Appeal, Australians can help young people most in need by giving them access to extra learning tools, so they can get the most out of their education and create better futures for themselves.” VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network, bringing together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections, all while supporting Australian children experiencing disadvantage. VIEW is also the largest community sponsor of students on the The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, with the Bonville-Boambee Club supporting nine students through its fundraising activities, such as Christmas gift wrapping at Toormina Gardens. As The Smith Family’s largest community sponsor of Learning for Life students, VIEW supports the educational outcomes of more than 1730 children and young people experiencing disadvantage. Through this powerful, long-standing connection, VIEW is proud to enable better futures for young Australians. At their May lunch meeting, Bonville-Boambee VIEW Club celebrated their 29th birthday. The highlight of the day was the wonderful entertainment by the Men’s Shed Band. For those who are interested in finding out more about VIEW, or who would like to join, visit view.org.au or phone the Bonville-Boambee VIEW Club President, Gail, on 0428 551 311. By Aiden BURGESS