Mirboo North Financial Hardship Fund supports local families who are struggling with the rising cost of living, food insecurity, and the challenges of education expenses. We know from both public and anecdotal data that many families in our community face weekly pressures. For example, 2021 ABS Census data shows that if Mirboo North were a village of 100 people, 37 of us would be earning less than $650 per week.
Tackling Local Financial Hardship One Family at a Time
If you are in a position to support those in need in our local community, consider giving an end of financial year tax deductible donation to the Financial Hardship Fund at the Community Foundation.
There are currently three ways that the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation supports local organisations that help families who face financial challenges: through the Back to School voucher program and School Relief Funds at all the schools in our local district (that is, Thorpdale, Narracan, Boolarra, Yinnar, Yinnar South and Mirboo North Primary Schools as well as Mirboo North Secondary College) and through providing funds for food distributed by Hope N Help to local families and individuals.
Support Educational Equality and Food Security This EOFY
Back to School Vouchers are vouchers from Kmart to the value of $50 which are distributed to families by each school’s welfare team. This program aims to ensure that all kids start the school year with the things that others take for granted – uniform, school bags, shoes etc. The voucher approach means that the families can meet their own particular needs. This program which was operated by the Foundation for Regional and Rural Renewal for 20 years, is now funded locally by our Community Foundation.
Similarly the Community Foundation works with each school to put in place funds that their welfare team can use to cover incidental expenses that families may not be able to afford – camps, excursions, extra uniform etc. These funds ensure that all of our students can access the same educational opportunities.
Finally, the Hope N Help group distribute food hampers every second week to families and individuals in our district. Lots of the food in these hampers come from donations by local businesses, farmers and churches, but there are items that Hope N Help needs to purchase from Food Bank Australia. In addition, Hope N Help find there is a need for toiletries and personal items as well as food, which they try to meet.
Make your end of financial year donation to the Mirboo North Financial Hardship Fund today and help ease the burden for families in our region.
Check out our website here to make an online donation, email us on info@mirboodistrictfoundation.org.au or call Ruth on 0418 301 092. To find out more about accessing Hope N Help, call Les on 0439 208 791.
For information on the Back to School Vouchers and Relief Funds, contact the Principal at your local school.