Rural communities across Australia will benefit from an allocation of funding courtesy of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and its donors.
The inspiration for the funding drive is students returning to school who require assistance for expenses such as uniforms, school bags and other items that are unaffordable for some members of the community impacted by COVID-19 restrictions and bushfires.
Families in need of financial support will receive $50 vouchers from communities from rural towns such as Ceduna, Streaky Bay, Nuriootpa, Angaston, Tanunda, Kapunda, Bordertown and Frances.
The organisations behind the display of generosity during a critical time for Australian regions are the Stand Like Stone Foundation, the Eyre Peninsula Community Foundation and Foundation Barossa.
Since its inauguration 18 years ago, the Back to School (BTS) program, in collaboration with other community initiatives has assisted over 200,000 students returning for the new school year with necessities such as new uniforms and stationary items.
Sarah Matthee, FRRR’s General Manager Partnerships & Services, said the initiative has stood the test of time as a crucial safety net for regional Australian families.
“The unique aspect of the BTS program is that it taps into the deep understanding and the trusted relationships that local organisations have within their communities to ensure that these vouchers go to families most in need of the support.”
“For many rural families, schooling and finances continue to be impacted by the pandemic. Although fifty dollars may not seem much, that little bit of extra help can go towards easing their worries in some small way.”
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