Dear Ed,

Anti-poverty week is upon us and as the President of Yamba Evening VIEW club I wish to shine a light on poverty in Australia. We are such a lucky country in so many ways, and yet the latest data shows that we have 1.2 million children living in poverty.

Anti- poverty week was established here in Australia as an extension of the United Nations annual international Anti-poverty day on October 17. Poverty is a word most people don’t associate with Australia. It is disappointing, Anti-poverty week is even relevant here in Australia.

I’d like to put a call to action to everyone lucky enough not to be living below the poverty line to give some thought on what poverty looks like and how difficult it must be and perhaps think of ways you could make a difference

Poverty is not just the absence of money, poverty is the presence of helplessness, powerlessness, voicelessness and social exclusion.

We can each make a difference in the lives of others. You don’t need lots of money, time is more valuable than money. Just knowing you care and not judging will make an enormous difference. Poverty can happen to anyone, it is not their fault and even if it is, people need other people to care about them, to give them a hand up, it doesn’t always need to be a hand out. A kind word, or even a smile can make all the difference in someone’s day or if you do have the means consider sponsoring a child in need.

VIEW clubs’ members work exclusively in supporting The Smith Family and collectively sponsor more than 1400 Australian students in need through The Smith Family’s Learning for Life program

Supporting a child while they are still at school prevents the need to support them as adults. Sponsoring a young person’s education is an effective way to help them break the cycle of poverty.

The Clarence Valley is fortunate to have four VIEW clubs, Grafton, Maclean, Yamba Day and Yamba Evening VIEW all working to support The Smith Family make a difference to children in need.

VIEW is the only national women’s organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for the education of young disadvantaged Australian children. It is a non-religious and non-political organisation and we are celebrating our 60th Anniversary of supporting The Smith Family.

“We’d love more women of all ages to join one of our clubs so we can reach even more children in need through our fundraising and volunteering. Give us a call if you can see yourself joining this very worthwhile organisation. You will be welcomed with open arms.

Karen Toms
Yamba Evening VIEW Club, President

To find out more about joining VIEW, visit view.org.au or call 1800 805 366.
To sponsor a child through The Smith Family, visit thesmithfamily.com.au or call 1800 633 622.