Poverty in Australia
- What is Poverty? The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) defines the poverty line as half the median household income of the total population.
- Breaking Poverty Podcast Investigates the role of education in breaking poverty in these unprecedented times and safeguarding the future of the next generation.
Our Programs
- Literacy programs Providing resources and support to help disadvantaged children achieve the required reading standard.
- Numeracy programs We support parents and early years educators in developing the maths skills of the children in their care so that they can establish the necessary foundation skills.
- Mentoring programs Mentoring programs for disadvantaged students that give the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Technology programs Providing disadvantaged children and young people with the critical skills, access and equipment they need.
- Learning for Life Providing holistic, long-term support for disadvantaged young Australians throughout their education.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students face additional challenges in their journey through and beyond school.
- > View all programs
Get Involved
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Volunteer with us Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Careers We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Ways to Fundraise Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Partnerships Learn how your organisation can partner with The Smith Family and help build a better future for Australian children in need.
- VIEW Clubs of Australia Learn about VIEW, a leading women’s volunteer organisation and support network with over 16,000 members, across Australia.
Ways to Give
- Sponsor a child Through sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- Monthly Donor Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Single Donation Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- A gift in your will Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Philanthropic Giving Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians growing up in poverty get the education they deserve.
- Give toys or books The Toy & Book Appeal is your opportunity to help bring a smile to a child's face this Christmas.
Shop for Gifts
- Joyspreader Charity Gifts Purchase a virtual Charity Gift and support learning and mentoring programs.
- Charity Christmas cards Order your Christmas cards, corporate Christmas cards or e-cards and support The Smith Family.

Asahi Lifestyle Beverages

THROUGH THE BIG GIVEBACK CAMPAIGN, THE SMITH FAMILY AND ASAHI LIFESTYLE BEVERAGES ARE WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP YOUNG AUSTRALIANS IN NEED THROUGH OUR FLAGSHIP LEARNING FOR LIFE PROGRAM.

ASAHI

In 2021, Asahi Lifestyle Beverages is once again partnering with The Smith Family to help Australians in need through The Big Giveback campaign.

The Big Giveback allows small change to make a big change: 10 cents from the sale of selected non-alcoholic drinks at participating locations in August 2021, will be donated to The Smith Family. Donations can also be made to The Smith Family through the campaign website at thebiggiveback.com.au.

Funds raised will support the education of young Australians experiencing disadvantage through our flagship Learning for Life program.

This proven program currently supports the education of around 58,000 young Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds, in three distinct ways.

We provide financial support for school essentials, like uniforms and books. We provide access to additional learning programs before and after school – tailored to each child’s individual needs. And we match each child with a dedicated team member at The Smith Family to help them get to school, stay at school and go on to further training or work.

By providing this much-needed educational support, together we are helping young Australians in need break free from the cycle of poverty, so they can create better futures for themselves.

Find out more about Asahi Lifestyle Beverages.