Call to help kids in need

Ocean Grove Day VIEW volunteers sell Mother's Day raffle tickets at Kingston Village shopping centre. (supplied)

Two Ocean Grove VIEW Clubs are 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 Smith Family aims to raise $6.2 million to give more than 14,000 children across Australia access to its proven learning and mentoring programs.

Ocean Grove Day VIEW and Evening VIEW Clubs are joining the cause this winter.

It comes as a survey released by the charity found Australians believe the cost-of-living crisis is having a greater impact on education than the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also found that more people believe child poverty has worsened because of the crisis.

VIEW (Voice, Interests and Education of Women) is a national women’s organisation and support network which brings together women to enjoy social activities, develop skills, and make connections, while supporting Australian children who experience disadvantage.

VIEW is also the largest community sponsor of students on The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program, and OGDVC club supports 20 students through its fundraising activities.

Members of the OGDVC club also help local students with reading programs, and, thanks to the generosity of the local community, raised more than $4000 in its recent Mother’s Day raffle. These funds will help OGDVC to support more children in the program.

OGEVC help students with Joyspreaders, which are individual packages to support students in various aspects of their education. OGEVC also participates in a reading support program at a local secondary school to assist students with literacy.

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.

“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,” he said.

To find out more about VIEW, visit view.org.au or email oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com or oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com