Long-time supporter of The Smith Family, Colin Glover, is a firm believer in assisting children with finding purpose through education.

The Mackay resident, along with his wife Glenda, currently sponsors three children through Learning for Life, believing it an investment in the country's future.

"Children need to be lifted up and assisted to find their sense of self worth," he says. "I believe in the sum total benefit of sponsorship of disadvantaged Australian children through Learning for Life because for every child we can assist to become a productive member of society, we increase the chance of a prosperous community in the future."

Mr Glover has lived in Mackay for more than 40 years and has been an active community member during that time. He had learnt of the work of The Smith Family, which included basing Learning for Life workers in schools and community organisations across a number of communities around the country, and was pleased when a worker was placed in Mackay in 2006.

Mr Glover has a passion for the work of The Smith Family in supporting children towards success and helping them to develop a vision for their own achievement. He has seen the alternative to that support among local children prior to The Smith Family's work in Mackay and witnessed the change that has come from The Smith Family's presence.

"There's still a way to go in disadvantaged communities where children lack the network of support available to their counterparts in other areas, but it's evident that where The Smith Family is forging partnerships in these communities, for the benefit of local children, the result is very positive."

Mr Glover receives progress reports on the students he sponsors and has taken to corresponding with them more regularly in recent years. "I want to help the kids feel more involved and let them know there's someone who cares about what they're doing. I send them small notes of encouragement and I think this makes a difference."