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The Smith Family urges last minute donations as winter appeal experiences $800,000 shortfall

28 June 2013

With just three days to go until 30 June, donations to The Smith Family's Winter Appeal are experiencing a huge shortfall, with over $800,000 still needed to be raised by this weekend.

The national fundraising target is $3.43 million and the charity is urging Australians to donate and help kids in need in your own backyard.

Donations to the Winter Appeal will allow The Smith Family to provide educational support and mentoring programs to 10,000 disadvantaged children across Australia, but many will miss out if the charity does not raise the money needed.

Right now, one in ten Australian children is living in financial disadvantage and do not have access to the same opportunities as other children. This affects their engagement at school, their emotional and social development and ultimately their self-belief.

The Smith Family's CEO Dr Lisa O'Brien said that supporting the education of Australian children in need was a powerful way to end disadvantage.

"Australia is known as the lucky country but unfortunately there are huge inequalities that exist for children and young people from disadvantaged homes and communities," Dr O'Brien said.

"It is essential that we raise over $3 million for the Winter Appeal to provide ongoing educational support to Australian kids who are being held back from accessing the same educational and life opportunities that more advantaged children have," she said.

"Without support, the disadvantage these children are experiencing today - through no fault of their own - could lead to a lifetime of lost potential.  A donation to our Winter Appeal will help Australian kids in need and I really want these children to get the future they deserve," she said.

If the Winter Appeal target is reached, funds raised will support a range of educational support and mentoring programs, including after-school learning clubs, reading support programs for kids who are up to two years' behind in their reading levels, mentoring and tutoring programs.

The Smith Family is urging Australians now more than ever, to open their hearts and dig deep to donate.

To support the Winter Appeal, which runs until 30 June, call 1800 024 069 or visit http://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/.  All donations are fully tax deductible.