We need to provide learning support for 18,922 children by 30 June.

Our Programs
- Literacy programs
  Providing resources and support to help children living with disadvantage achieve the required reading standard.
- Technology programs
  Providing children and young people living with disadvantage with the critical skills, access, and equipment they need.
- Numeracy programs
  We support early years educators and community professionals in building foundational math skills in children under their care.
- Learning for Life
  Learning for Life is an innovative, evidence-based program that supports students throughout their education to achieve positive long-term outcomes for young people experiencing disadvantage.
- Mentoring programs
  Mentoring programs for students living with disadvantage that provide the encouragement they need to build aspirations for their future.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs
  Our work engages Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in learning through education, life skills and role models, promoting culturally responsive practice.
Our learning support and mentoring programs in 90 Australian communities directly help children in need achieve their goals through education.
View all programs
Get Involved
- Ways to fundraise
  Learn about fundraising and give back to the community with The Smith Family.
- Volunteer with us
  Share your skills to help Australian children in need transform their lives through education.
- Corporate partnerships
  Corporate partnerships give young Australians in need the chance to change their futures through educational support. Discover how you can join forces with The Smith Family to create a mutually-beneficial, impactful partnership.
- Careers
  We aim to provide a working environment where staff and volunteers have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.
- Events
  Participate in events and activities that support young Australians experiencing disadvantage.
- 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 child sponsorship, you will be matched to an Australian child in need, helping to support the cost of their school essentials.
- A gift in your will
  Ensure that future generations of Australian children have the support they need to make the most of their education.
- Monthly donation
  Become a monthly donor and provide continual support throughout all stages of a child’s education.
- Philanthropic giving
  Through your philanthropy, you can ensure that young Australians impacted by poverty get the education that all children deserve.
- Single donation
  Your donation will help young Australians in need by providing access to our Learning for Life education support programs.
- Workplace giving
  Making small, regular donations to The Smith Family through Workplace Giving is an easy way to help change the lives of young Australians living in poverty.
Login
Child Sponsorship
Donate now

Thank you for making Christmas special for disadvantaged families

17 January 2017

Every year, our volunteers, supporters and corporate partners come together to bring Christmas joy to disadvantaged families. It’s a tradition that dates right back to our beginning in 1922, when five businessmen delivered gifts to orphans on Christmas Eve.

This Christmas, 1500 volunteers helped deliver 45,000 toys and over 30,000 books to nearly 6,800 families in need. Each pack was made up of new toys and books donated through our Toy and Book Appeal.

toy-and-book-packing-car — Smith Family volunteers packing cars with gifts on Christmas Delivery Day

Past Learning for Life student, Erick, is an adult now with a son of his own. But he’s never forgotten how The Smith Family volunteers and supporters gave his family the type of Christmas they could have only dreamed of.

“My little brother, Jamie, and I would stand by the window waiting for The Smith Family car to drive up … It was like two big bags that were bought. My mum wouldn't even bother wrapping it because we would rip it open and put the presents under the tree and just stare at them … It was the best,” said Erick.

But our supporters didn’t stop there. Our 2016 Christmas Appeal has raised $3.4 million to ensure disadvantaged students continue to have access to our vital learning programs throughout the year ahead.

Thank you for making it a very merry Christmas!

Considering volunteering in 2017? Click here for our current volunteer opportunities.

Popular Searches

Thank you for making Christmas special for disadvantaged families

More Smith Family stories

Meet our sponsored students

Hear from families

Meet our Learning for Life staff

Meet our supporters