Students doing it tough in drought affected communities will be offered a helping hand this upcoming new school year thanks to a national not-for-profit charity.
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With much of NSW still in severe drought, national online charity GIVIT has launched its Back to School appeal that will allow donors across Australia to provide vital educational equipment to rural kids.
GIVIT NSW drought manager Scott Barrett said rural people right throughout regional NSW, are tough.
“But they’ve had some pretty crook seasons and as a result people are doing without,” he said.
Mr Barrett said this campaign is about is trying to limit the things kids have to go without when going to school.
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“It’s hard enough starting high school or starting a new school as it is without having a pair of shoes with holes in them, or the wrong textbook, or not having a jumper through winter,” he said.
Mr Barrett said the drought is affecting rural communities, not just farmers, and they are all feeling the financial strain.
“The regular sources of charity funding and income has dried up.. where the P&C might have had a barbecue to raise money for kids to get uniforms, well that’s really tough for them to do now,” he said.
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Mr Barrett has traveled right across the state, visiting places such as Nyngan, Coonamble, Walgett, Brewarrina, Bourke, Ivanhoe, Cobar, Gulargambone.
“Through this campaign, we’d like to see kids ready for school in 2019; ready to learn and not fall behind as a result of their financial situation caused by this drought,” he said.
Mr Barrett urges those who are thinking of donating to jump online, because through the website GIVIT are able to find out exactly what people need.
He also encouraged local community groups to register and request items.
“Because people right across the country are wanting to help out kids and here’s a great channel for that to happen,” Mr Barrett said.
GIVIT has a commitment to buying locally wherever possible to support local businesses as well as individuals in need and do not means test people.
GIVIT is an official charity partner of the NSW Government to coordinate donations to drought-affected areas of the state.
To find out more information please visit www.givit.org.au
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
