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Boost For Children In Need Children from struggling families can access school uniforms, shoes and books more easily thanks to a new home and fundraising programs for the State Schools’ Relief charity, which turns 80 this year. By Russell Northe - 16th March 2011 - Back to News Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe said the Payroll Giving Scheme will allow Education Department employees to donate a portion of their pay to the charity. Big Vic Cross Country, a fundraising program for schools has also been launched, run in association with School Sport Victoria. Under Big Vic Cross Country, schools holding a cross country event can register with State Schools’ Relief for runners to be sponsored as fundraisers for the charity. "Children will be literally running for their counterparts whose families are finding it tough due to a range of circumstances." said Mr Northe. "The big heart of our education community is further supporting our education family through the new Payroll Giving Scheme, making it more convenient for our already generous teachers to donate to this worthwhile cause." Last year State Schools’ Relief helped 8300 students and their families by providing 2470 pairs of shorts and runners, 6600 polo shirts and 2700 track pants. With demand increasing, this year the charity is expected to help even more. Mr Northe said providing new uniforms and shoes to children who could not to access them otherwise provided a broad range of benefits beyond keeping them warm. "It enables participation in school and community activities and alleviates the financial burden on families," Mr Northe said. The Victorian Government will cover all of the charity’s staffing and operational costs, including the cost of the lease for the new distribution centre, ensuring 100 per cent of donated funds go straight to children in need. Mr Northe said having new clothes also helped children avoid the stigma of "looking poor" and stopped them feeling different from their classmates. "Flow on positive effects include improved attendance rates, better academic performance and increased self esteem – not only for the students but for their parents as well," Mr Northe said. The State Schools’ Relief charity was formed during the great depression and is celebrating its 80th year of helping children in need. Media contact: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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