Supporting Victorian families during the hard times
SSR provides new quality footwear and clothing to students attending Victorian Government Schools.
SSR only respond to requests from principals, assistant principals and welfare coordinators. Parents who are struggling financially to provide for their child's government education can make an appointment with the school principal or assistant principal/welfare coordinator.
With mortgage rates, housing inaffordability and other financial pressures, even families who would not previously have needed assistance are finding they struggle to meet the most basic costs towards education and these issues are on the rise. In the 2010/2011 financial year we had a 26% increase in applications for assistance from the previous year. We anticipate that this will continue to rise per year.
Working with schools to support school communities
Our simple and practical service ensures that young Victorians can attend school with a greater sense of belonging and self esteem.
A new pair of shoes or uniform to a child without them can:
- increase self esteem and dignity (for the child and their families)
- provide warmth and comfort
- enable participation in school and community activities
- alleviate financial burden for families
- avoid the stigma of "looking poor" or “being different”
By helping students connect with their school community with dignity and equality, we are helping them to reach their full potential.
Last financial year we:
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Processed over 10,000 applications at a cost of $762,852, which is an increase of 26% from the previous year.
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84% of the Secondary schools (including language) utilised State Schools’ Relief services;
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40% of Primary schools (including P-12 and special) utilised State Schools’ Relief services.
We provided:
- 2470 pairs of shoes/sneakers
- 6660 Polo shirts
- 2700 Track pants
- 2200 windcheaters
In addition to these items we also provided the necessary basics for students such as t-shirts, socks, singlets and underwear. We recognise that it's not just the outer wear that makes children feel confident and comfortable at school.