Many of us would be shocked to learn the number of Australian children whose education is potentially impacted by poverty.
Last year, in Victoria alone, State Schools’ Relief (SSR) provided over $760,000 worth of footwear and clothing to help kids connect to their school community with dignity and equality, while being comfortable and warm.
Australia’s two speed economy combined with a spike in natural disasters hit hard in the school yard, where demand for relief was up 26 percent on the previous year. SSR processed 10,463 applications with rural schools bearing the brunt of that additional need.
"Having a school uniform helps kids participate and feel as if they belong", says David Schmidt, CEO of SSR. "A sense of belonging is very important to children. If they stand out, they can easily become the target of bullying and abuse."
The Victorian based not-for-profit charity has been operating since the great depression and supports children and families unable to access quality clothing and footwear due to poverty, neglect, family violence or natural disasters.
Providing a warm uniform and footwear can transform a young person’s attitude to school and learning. A year 8 boy was ecstatic, this year, when he received a new pair of shoes – for the first time in his life – through SSR. Other children helped include: two girls who had to walk to school across frosty paddocks in their thongs each morning and were unable to participate effectively until their feet thawed. Two boys of similar age were attending school on alternate days until it was discovered they were sharing a single pair of shoes between them.
House fires strike the homes of Victorian school children once every fortnight to three weeks. Within 24 hours those children receive a SSR package consisting of a school uniform, shoes, underwear, a sports shirt and windcheater.
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development covers all administrative costs, so 100 percent of donations go directly to students in need. SSR relies solely on donations from schools, individuals, businesses and philanthropic trusts.
bankmecu has invested three quarters of a million dollars to help improve the lives of school children. ‘Without bankmecu’s support we couldn’t have provided the same level of service,’ says Schmidt. SSRC has been a bankmecu customer for over 10 years ‘bankmecu has been a great friend. They look after us and look out for us.’
bankmecu commits to meeting the needs of community sector organisations. Talk to our community banking specialists to find out about our superior service and products designed for community groups. Email communitybanking@bankmecu.com.au or call 132 888 today!
If you would like to transform a child’s school life visit ssr.net.au