Canberrans urged to share the spirit of Christmas for children in need

It aims to raise $182,000 across the ACT, which equates to helping 500 local students to catch up and keep up at school.

Nationally, The Smith Family aims to raise $3.8 million through its Christmas Appeal, which would help more than 9000 children with essential learning support and mentoring programs.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr launched the Canberra appeal on Friday, announcing a $10,000 contribution from the government.

Mr Barr said Canberra enjoyed a reputation as a very liveable city but many people struggled and it was important that "no one falls behind".

"At times our very high levels of wealth and education and advantage mask the disadvantage and lack of opportunity," he said.

"That's why it is so important to gather as a community to support each other and these very practical programs."

The Smith Family's ACT regional programs manager Olga Srbovski said the charity's Learning for Life program was dedicated to ensuring children from disadvantaged backgrounds were supported and encouraged at school.

"We provide a worker who will support the family, advocate for them, help them with any school needs and link them into other services as they fall in and out of crisis," she said.

"We also offer scholarships, paid twice a year, to pay for things like uniforms, book packs, excursions or any IT they might need.

"Our programs build capacity, competency, inspire the students to look at different career paths, but most importantly, keep them engaged in school until year 12."

Ms Srbovski said The Smith Family would also distribute an estimated 2000 toys and 1500 books to 625 children in the ACT this Christmas. Donations could be made at giving trees at ABC Radio Canberra and the Ainslie Football Club.

“Christmas should be a special time for families but for children affected by disadvantage, it’s just another
time they go without,” she said

Ms Srbovski thanked The Smith Family staff and volunteers for "making a difference every day" and said they knew Canberra was a generous community.

"What I'd like to say is, 'Share the Christmas giving'," she said. "We've got young people who might go without toys or books. If we don't raise enough money, we won't be able to deliver as many programs.

"The work that we do is more important than ever. There are 1.1 million children living below the poverty line here in Australia, and each and every day these children struggle."