MOREE Evening View Club is urging the local community to this year give generously to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal, to support thousands of children and young people experiencing disadvantage with their education.

It comes as The Smith Family’s latest Community Attitudes Survey of the Australian public, shows four out of five respondents – 83 per cent – believe tackling childhood poverty should be a national priority.

VIEW 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.

At a Moree Evening View Club meeting earlier this year, Suzanne Bouliopoulos was elected Moree Evening VIEW president, with Gwanita Hill vice-president.

Also in attendance was special guest, VIEW zone councillor Mary Hollingworth, winner of the NSW Community Hero of the Year Award at the 2023 NSW Women of the Year Awards.

Ms Hollingworth is well-known in the Glen Innes and Deepwater area as a proud community advocate.

She was chairperson of the 2022 NSW Rural Women’s Gathering and is a long-time volunteer with the Rural Women’s Network.

The hardworking Moree committee includes treasurer Tammy O’Connor, vice-treasure Sue Hubbard, secretary Jenny Pritchard and program officer, Sharyn Pidgeon.

“Moree Evening VIEW encourages everyone to get behind the Smith Family, an incredible organisation helping many children across Australia through the Learning for Life program,” Mrs Hill said.

VIEW is the largest community sponsor of students on the program, with the Moree club supporting students through its fundraising activities.

Moree Evening VIEW Club members Jenny Pritchard, Suzanne Bouliopoulos, Gwanita Hill, VIEW zone councillor Mary Hollingworth, Sharyn Pidgeon, Sue Hubbard and Tammy O’Connor.

The Smith Family CEO Doug Taylor says poverty shouldn’t limit a child’s potential, which is why the charity launched its Winter Appeal this week.

The Appeal aims to raise almost $8 million by the end of June 2025 to support students experiencing disadvantage by providing access to proven out-of-school educational programs.

“The results of our Community Attitudes Survey show Australians recognise poverty has an impact on a child’s education,” Mr Taylor said.

“However, what many people don’t see are the hidden impacts of disadvantage and the incredible emotional, social and academic toll that can have on students during and after their schooling.

“But the right educational support at the right time through The Smith Family’s evidence-based programs can make all the difference to those students and give them the tools and resources to fulfill their potential.”

“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.”

The Smith Family’s student2student is a one-on-one program that brings an older and younger student together to read once a week.

Learning Clubs are a free, after-school-hours support program that offers tutoring and help students with homework and assignments.

“The evidence-based programs The Smith Family is delivering are as crucial as the financial and personal support we provide to students and families,” Mr Taylor said.

“Of the children participating in student2student, 94 per cent say they improved their reading, while 81 per cent of those taking part in Learning Club say it helped them do better in the classroom.

“For people in a position to do so, please consider donating to The Smith Family’s Winter Appeal,” he said.

“Donations mean we can support more students with access to our programs and provide more help for children and young people experiencing disadvantage.

“Your donation today can have an enormous, life-changing impact for a student,” Mr Taylor said.

Moree Evening VIEW Club was formed in 1982.

Currently, the club sponsors Smith Family Learning for Life students and is actively involved in fundraising activities to raise donations for The Smith Family programs.

Moree Evening VIEW Club

When: Meet on the fourth Wednesday each month

Time: At 6.30pm for 7pm start

Where: Moree and District Services Club

Email: [email protected]