Released 25/07/2017
This morning, I was pleased to join volunteers for The Smith Family Christmas Appeal to announce a $10,000 donation from the ACT Government.
Part of what makes our community great is the caring and giving nature of our people. Canberra is full of great people who work hard to help others and some of the best initiatives the Government has introduced to the ACT community in recent years have come together through partnerships between government, community and the not-for-profit and private sectors.
The Smith Family’s ACT General Manager Annette Young said The Smith Family Christmas Appeal in the ACT will help raise $3.66 million nationally by the end of the year.
“The support of the public is vital for us to be able to provide thousands of disadvantaged children with access to important out-of-school learning programs in 2017,” Ms. Young said.
“Disadvantaged children often face many complex challenges including health and disability issues that impact their ability to succeed at school.
“One in three disadvantaged children start school behind their peers and without additional support they fall further behind as they move through school.
“Being able to complete a successful education is a pathway out of poverty and for a child living in disadvantage, being provided with opportunities to fully participate in their learning can be the greatest gift.
“We are hugely grateful for Andrew Barr’s support of our Christmas Appeal to help disadvantaged students get the access to the life-changing educational support they need to build a better future.” Christmas is a time for family, celebration and giving. This Christmas I encourage everyone in the ACT to share their holiday giving with a child in need by supporting The Smith Family’s Christmas Appeal.
- Statement ends -
Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases