NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Mike Baird today kicked off the Smith Family’s 2014 Winter Appeal with a $15,000 donation on behalf of the NSW Government.
Mr Baird was joined by Police Minister and Penrith MP Stuart Ayres to help launch the Smith Family’s major annual fundraising drive at Kingswood Park Public School.
“The Smith Family does great work for the most vulnerable in our community – last year alone it supported 112,000 children and their parents and carers,” Mr Baird said.
“The Winter Appeal helps fund vital progams run by The Smith Family like Learning for Life, which is supporting students at 36 NSW schools including here at Kingswood Park Public School.
“Learning for Life provides students with financial support for education essentials such as uniforms, books and excursions, a relationship with a Program Coordinator and a sponsor, and access to learning support and mentoring opportunities.
“The program supports 10,000 NSW students – and 34,000 nationally – throughout their school life, from kindergarten through to tertiary studies.
“Organisations like the Smith Family complement the work the NSW Government is doing to improve students’ achievements in literacy and numeracy, and increasing school retention and completion rates.
“It’s why NSW was the first state or territory to sign up to the National Education Reform Agreement, and have adopted a needs-based approach to funding and investing in raising teacher standards.
“I encourage all NSW residents to get behind The Smith Family and support their great work by donating to this year’s Winter Appeal,” Mr Baird said.
Mr Ayres said: “Kingswood Park Public School is one of 96 schools in high-needs communities throughout Australia, including 36 in NSW, to host The Smith Family’s key Learning for Life program.
“The Smith Family is doing terrific work in the Penrith community, which is being replicated across NSW.”
To donate go to www.thesmithfamily.com.au
