Give a child the gift of education this festive season
For the second year, Cafs (Child & Family Services, Ballarat) is launching its Back-to-School Campaign to support local children in starting the 2025 school year well prepared. Between the soaring cost of living, increased interest rates and the difficult rental market, Cafs continues to see an increasing demand for support across the region at the start of the academic year.
In regional and rural Victoria, the cost of sending a child to a public school from Prep to Year 12 can exceed $70,000.*
“The cost of sending a child to school is about more than enrolment fees. The list of expenses can add up quickly — uniforms, shoes, backpacks, stationery, excursions, and technology like laptops and iPads — putting families under even more strain,” said Cafs CEO Wendy Sturgess.
“An education is the greatest gift a child can receive. Remaining connected to school, building social networks and providing opportunities that can break the cycle of disadvantage are critical to setting children up for future success. Last year, with the support of generous donors, we were able to provide backpacks with school basics and help local families purchase school shoes and uniforms. This year, we want to continue to ensure local children start the new school year with the essentials they need to thrive.”
Cafs is calling for financial donations or the donation of gift vouchers of any denomination to help families purchase school necessities, including uniforms, shoes, stationery, backpacks, and textbooks.
To donate to Cafs Back to School Appeal click here or call 1800 692 237.
*Source: Futurity Invest
