The Smith Family is hoping to raise $230,000 in the ACT before June 30 to deliver support programs for 530 schools kids in Canberra.
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Part of the money raised would go towards supporting the one-on-one tutoring service Learning Club, which provides after-school educational support for disadvantaged children.
ACT regional programs manager Olga Srbovski said Learning Club started late last year and runs out of the Gungahlin and Tuggeranong libraries.
"Research has shown us that about one in three students who come from disadvantaged families, they start behind at school," Ms Srbovski said.
"By the time they get to Year 10 they can be anywhere up to three years behind their peers."
Learning club tutor Ann Goleby comes from a similar background as some of her students.
Her father died when she was eight and the family lived off food parcels, but learning was the one place Ms Goleby didn't feel different.
"That was where I didn't feel underprivileged I suppose," Ms Goleby said.
"I found learning easy. I loved math in particular."
She sent herself to uni for free during the Whitlam era, graduating with a masters before going on to teach, eventually becoming Director of Training and Tertiary Education at the ACT Education Directorate.
Since retired, Ms Goleby volunteers her time at the Smith Family's Tuggeranong Learning Club, teaching kids or helping them with homework.
"Universally there's one thread: they think they're stupid. They have absolutely been convinced that because they missed out on something at school that they're stupid," Ms Goleby said.
"The look on their face when they can do it; it's such a privilege to be part of. It's a gift back to me."
"These kids come from really challenging environments. They've got lots on in their life."
One of Ms Goleby's students, Malakai Reinhard has slowly come around to maths.
"I told him my goal would be for him to say that he loves math," Ms Goleby said.
"The beam on his face. He's not scared of trying anymore."
Nationwide, the Smith Family's Winter Appeal is looking to raise $4.1 million by June 30 to support 10,000 children by next semester.
