Members of the Maitland VIEW Club are trying to stem the growing tide of poverty in Australia by raising awareness for disadvantaged young people during Anti-Poverty Week later this month.
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Poverty in Australia is growing with 2016 seeing 2.5 million people living below the line.
The Australian Council of Social Services records 14.6% of people in NSW are living in poverty, with women significantly more likely to experience poverty than men.
Maitland VIEW Club secretary Robin Bosch said growing up disadvantaged can have a vast impact on a child.
“Growing up in disadvantage can have a huge impact on a child’s engagement at school, impacting their long-term educational and life outcomes,” she said.
“If a person doesn’t have the support they need for their education and leave school early with no set path or future study- then the risk of perpetuating their disadvantage increases.
If a person doesn’t have the support they need for their education and leave school early with no set path or future study - then the risk of perpetuating their disadvantage increases.
- Robin Bosch
“This will affect them, their family, and ultimately, our nation.”
VIEW, which stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women, has long-established ties with the Smith Family’s education programs.
Acting as mentors and financial backers, VIEW has supported education for financially at-risk children for decades.
For the past 56 years 16,000 VIEW club members across the country have chipped in more than 50,000 hours of their time (annually) to the Smith Family programs.
Anti-Poverty Week starts Sunday, October 16 and finishes Saturday, October 22.
To help the VIEW Club fight poverty in the community become a member.
To donate directly to the Smith Family, or to become a sponsor of a disadvantaged child visit thesmithfamily.com.au
More information can be found at view.org.au or by calling 1800 805 366.
