Taree VIEW sponsors six children through The Smith Family's Learning for Life program, which provides them with educational and personal support.

However, with one in six young Australians living in poverty, help is needed now more than ever.

This year has been particularly challenging for students experiencing disadvantage, with thousands of children and young people forced into remote learning due to COVID-19. Many don't have access to a reliable internet connection, an appropriate device, or a comfortable, quiet space to do their schoolwork.

This puts them at risk of falling behind their more advantaged peers.

Taree VIEW president Margaret Muldoon said joining VIEW, or becoming a sponsor, has never been more important.

"This year has been extremely tough on children experiencing disadvantage, with COVID-19 exacerbating many of the challenges they already face," Margaret said.

"The pandemic has put so many families under financial pressure, and teaching from home can be difficult, even in the most ideal circumstances.

"This is why VIEW is so passionate about supporting the work of The Smith Family, because it's through education that we can help break the cycle of poverty and allow these children to create better futures for themselves," she said.

VIEW Clubs have been instrumental in providing support for The Smith Family, having raised more than $1.1 million and supporting 1480 children over the last year.

They also collectively volunteered more than 70,000 hours of their time to help young people in their local community through homework, reading and mentoring programs run by the charity.

"Joining VIEW is not only a wonderful way to help out children in need, it's also a great way to get involved in the community," Margaret said.

Despite COVID and many cancelled VIEW Club fundraisers, Taree members have participated in fundraising events within the limited COVID safe rules.

Recently the club welcomed two new members, Margaret Andrews and Diane Banner. "We'd love more women of all ages to join our club so we can reach even more children in need through our fundraising and volunteering," she said.

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.

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