Support for school kids

VICTORIA’S Jewish community will give $1 million to be used to help kids in the state’s bushfire areas start their school year, supporting school fees, transport, communication, uniforms and more. 

A range of financial support is available, but this fund is especially for children and people undertaking all levels of education – from kindergarten through primary school, secondary, TAFE and university. 

Philanthropist David Smorgon, speaking for the Victorian Jewish Bushfire Relief Appeal, told The AJN the initiative, in conjunction with St Vincent de Paul Society, will help around 1000 young people to get on with their studies in fire-ravaged areas of Victoria.

“This initiative resounds with Jewish values and fulfils our aims as a Jewish community,” he said. “We are very impressed by the practical and professional approach taken by St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria and reassured that every dollar donated will be spent assisting the victims. Further, the fact that there are no overheads, no fees and with a very strong verification process and procedure, made Vinnies the ideal partner for the Victorian Jewish community.”

St Vincent de Paul Society Victorian CEO Sue Cattermole said, “The generosity of the Victorian Jewish community is a great partner for St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria to work with. We are thankful for their donation and want to help deliver the assistance where it is most needed. Education has always been a pillar of the society’s work in Victoria and we understand how important it is to get young people back into education as quickly as possible.” 

Funds raised by the Victorian Jewish appeal now stand at $2.65 million, and the organising committee has urged Jews to do their utmost to keep giving.

To make a donation to the Victorian Jewish Bushfire Relief Appeal: www.charidy.com/bushfireappeal.

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