South West Community Foundation, in conjunction with United Way Glenelg, is providing schools across south west Victoria with $50 gift vouchers to help families struggling with cost of living increases.
Over 450 vouchers, totalling more than $22,500, will be distributed to families in need, via the students’ school.
In partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, the “Back 2 School” voucher program has been successfully supporting families for 14 years with over $253,200 in assistance provided to date.
SWCF executive officer Annabel Cussen said the Foundation was very pleased to be supporting young people’s education in south west Victoria.
“This program can help students feel comfortable when they are attending school,” Ms Cussen said.
“The vouchers can be used at either Target or Kmart stores for anything the student may need, from shoes to a warm jacket. For some students, these items may be the difference between a positive or negative experience at school.
“This program could not operate without the long standing partnership of the Fletcher Jones Family Foundation, who provide amazing support to this initiative, and to the Warrnambool City Council who have recently come aboard as a contributing partner organisation.
“We encourage members of the community to help us support the education of these vulnerable members of our community by donating to the SWCF Back to School appeal. Donations can be made at https://www.givenow.com.au/backtoschool.”
United Way Glenelg executive officer Nicole Carr said schools have been thankful for the generosity of this initiative, and the partners involved.
“The Back 2 School vouchers have arrived at an opportune time when the cost of living is high and the cold weather has well and truly settled in,” Ms Carr said.
“If students arrive at school smiling and full of confidence because they feel good about themselves it goes a long way in helping them reach their full potential academically and in life.”
Principals at schools across south west Victoria are encouraged to get in touch with South West Community Foundation via email to info@southwestcommunityfoundation.org if they would like to discuss receiving vouchers for members of their school’s community.
