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As The Smith Family turns 100, the charity’s Christmas gift-giving tradition will look a little different this year

02 December 2021

Archival images and CEO soundbites available here, feature video available here,
history timeline available here

2 December 2021 – This Christmas marks the launch of The Smith Family’s Centenary celebrations, as the nation’s largest children’s education charity looks back on 100 years of improving the lives of young Australians in need.

From humble beginnings on Christmas Eve 1922, when five businessmen provided gifts to children in a Sydney orphanage, The Smith Family now supports tens of thousands of children and young people each year through its education support programs.

“I’m so proud of the important role The Smith Family has played over many years, and continues to play in Australia today,” said Doug Taylor, The Smith Family’s CEO.

“Over many decades, The Smith Family has evolved from providing emergency relief to families through historic events such as the Great Depression and Cyclone Tracy, to our modern-day focus on transforming children’s lives through education.

“With one in six Australian children and young people living in poverty today, many of whom are now facing even greater challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we will continue to innovate and find new ways to meet the needs of children and families into the future.”

Today, The Smith Family supports more than 58,000 students on its flagship Learning for Life program – helping to break the cycle of disadvantage through targeted, long-term support for their education – and is expanding its focus on careers education to provide even more opportunities to help students transition from school, tertiary education or training into the workforce.

In December, the charity also continues the tradition established by its founders, of delivering toys and books to children in need, to help them feel included at Christmas time. However, this year’s gift-giving will look a little different in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the first time, the annual Toy and Book Delivery Day won’t be going ahead. Instead, The Smith Family will provide families with gift vouchers, so they can ensure their children can still participate in the joys of Christmas.

Mr Taylor said while it was a difficult decision, the change was made to ensure the safety of students and families, volunteers and team members.
 
“Throughout this devastating pandemic, supporting children and families in need, particularly during long periods of disrupted learning, has been our top priority. Due to the ongoing uncertainty of COVID-19, this year we felt the safest way to protect families was to move away from our traditional format – which each year sees thousands of volunteers unite across the country to pack and deliver toy and book packs to our families in time for Christmas morning.

“The difficulties of the past two years mean spreading joy this Christmas is more important than ever. That’s why we’re arranging a digital gift voucher for every child who would ordinarily have received a gift pack,” he said.

With the generous support of the Australian community, The Smith Family will provide gift vouchers for more than 32,000 children across the country this year. Australians can get involved by purchasing a Christmas Gift Voucher online or they can fundraise with family, friends and colleagues by setting up their own virtual Toy and Book Appeal.

Patron of The Smith Family, Governor-General, His Excellency David Hurley, and his wife, Her Excellency Mrs Linda Hurley, have also generously volunteered their time this year. They join thousands of other volunteers who have written messages of hope and joy to children supported by The Smith Family.

“On behalf of everyone at The Smith Family, I’d like to say a huge thank you to all Australians who have contributed to our work, not only this Christmas but over many years,” said Mr Taylor.

“Together we have and will continue to create better futures for children in poverty.” 
 
Australians can help change the course of a child’s life this Christmas by:

  • Making a donation that will give Australian students in need the extra learning support to help them make the most of their education next year and beyond.
  • Purchasing a Christmas Gift Voucher to ensure children in need receive a gift of their own on Christmas morning.
  • Becoming a monthly donor to ensure learning and mentoring programs continue through the course of a child’s education.
  • Giving back and volunteering your time, skills and energy to support The Smith Family’s life-changing work.

 For more information, go to thesmithfamily.com.au/christmas or call 1800 024 069.

Media Enquiries:

Caitlin Dickson, Media Advisor | Ph. 0466 955 633 | caitlin.dickson@thesmithfamily.com.au
Michael Tarquinio, Senior Media Advisor | Ph. 0481 903 439 | michael.tarquinio@thesmithfamily.com.au

The Smith Family is a children’s education charity that helps young Australians experiencing disadvantage to succeed at school, so they can create better futures for themselves.