THE Queensland Government has kickstarted the Christmas appeals of four major charitable organisations by donating $100,000 to The Smith Family, The Salvation Army, UnitingCare Community, and St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland.
The Christmas appeal goal for The Smith Family is to raise $740,000 in Queensland to support 1,764 young people experiencing disadvantage so they are motivated at school to complete Year 12.
The Smith Family Queensland general manager Alan LeMay said this donation will enable to organisation to support even more young people through its programs.
“These programs have excellent results, with 95 per cent of students who took part in our peer reading program Student2student improved their reading skills, and 75 per cent of students who took part in our after-school Learning Clubs said the extra support helped them do better in class,” he said.
“We are so grateful for the continued support of the Queensland Government and all those who donate because, every year, you help thousands of Australian children create better futures for themselves.”
The Salvation Army is one of the largest providers of social services and programs in Australia and supports vulnerable people at the festive season by providing Christmas hampers, community lunches, and organising events.
The Salvation Army Queensland Division Commander Gavin Watts said the Salvos are thankful for the continued support of the State Government.
“With the cost-of-living crisis beginning to affect everyday Queenslanders we expect demand for help to continue to grow,” he said.
“These funds will help The Salvation Army ensure that those who need help, get help this Christmas.”
UnitingCare supports Queensland children and families in need and its goal is to provide gifts, a decent meal on the table, or take care of an essential bill.
Donations to St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland will help provide food, clothing, living expenses, and crisis support for vulnerable people who have been struggling with the global cost-of-living challenges.
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