In 1922, a group of Sydney businessmen were attending a conference. Some of their discussion centred around the fact that some people in the community were doing it tough. So they decided to band together and buy some toys which they distributed to a local orphanage. This gesture proved to be very successful and the orphanage wanted to thank them by name. However, they chose to remain anonymous and call each other "Mr Smith". And that is how the organisation known as The Smith Family came into being.

Guest speaker Edwin Gill who is a volunteer with The Smith Family says that his organisation is well known for helping disadvantaged children and families but not well understood. It has changed its profile at various times and people have become confused as to what it actually does. Because of this, Edwin said that the organisation decided to refocus its goals with a view to supporting one activity. So no longer do they acquire and distribute essential items to needy families. 

They now focus purely on a program called Learning for Life which supports children from low-income families who don't have the means to provide the child with a good education which ultimately results in poorer life outcomes. The Smith Family believes that every child deserves a chance. Edwin said that it is estimated that an unproductive or uneducated child will cost the country $1.5 million over that person's lifetime. So, by supporting the children through education, their program is proving to be extremely cost effective.

The Smith Family is based in 90 communities around Australia and they provide scholarships to disadvantaged children from kindergarten to university. Statistics show that after the children have completed the Learning for Life program, 70% of them get jobs and another 16% actively look for work.

If you haven't already registered your intention to assist in the tree planting day this Sunday, you are strongly encouraged to do so. We will be planting 1454 trees at Rosslare Court Reserve in Hoppers Crossing commencing at 9AM. That's a lot of trees but, with the help of the City of Wyndham and members of the community, we can do it. But only if we can all band together. So please help if you can. You are welcome to bring your kids, grandkids, brothers, cousins, aunties and uncles as well. Remember, many hands make light work. Also, a reminder to bring some gardening tools and some gloves.

Click here to see the poster.

On Tuesday 28th May, we will be visiting the University of Melbourne's new U-Vet Hospital at 250 Princes Hwy, Werribee. This promises to be an interesting visit because the facility has been recently upgraded.

We will be touring the new facilities in two groups. The first tour will commence at 6 pm followed by a second tour at 6:30 pm. When your tour is completed, you can proceed to the Racecourse Hotel where we will have dinner at about 7 pm.

If you haven't already registered for the visit, please contact Michael Redding.

Click here to read about the development of the new building.