Throughout that time, Tomorrow Today has been a local partner, distributing more than $400,000 in vouchers to schools in Benalla and the surrounding district.
The vouchers enabled students to purchase essential items such as uniforms, shoes, stationery and school bags.
When the program came to its scheduled conclusion in 2024, Tomorrow Today’s board and staff recognised that the need for the relief program had in no way diminished.
Tomorrow Today Executive Officer Jodie Fleming said, if anything, the financial pressure on families had only increased, especially in recent years.
“We realised that the vouchers had an incredible impact for families,” Ms Fleming said.
“If a family was experiencing hardship for whatever reason, be it a disaster like fire or flood, or if a parent had lost work or was ill, a student could access a voucher to help them purchase something they might otherwise have done without.
“We knew that we needed to find a way to continue to provide the schools with vouchers to meet those needs once the FRRR program ended.”
The solution came from a number of funding sources including, the Dr June Canavan Foundation, Community Underwriting, the Rotary Club of Benalla, Olive Tree Op Shop, and from the generous support of local business and individual donors.
So far, 400 $50 vouchers have been given to Benalla schools for use throughout the year.
Lou McCloskey, one of the team wellbeing workers at Benalla P-12 College, sees first-hand the positive impact the vouchers have within the school community.
“The Back to School vouchers support us to ensure all students have access to a uniform that is in great condition and fits well,” Ms McCloskey said.
“Wearing a uniform helps promote pride and inclusion in our students, and the vouchers make a massive contribution to that.
“We are extremely grateful to Tomorrow Today for continuing this valuable program for the college.”
Ms Fleming said everyone at Tomorrow Today was thrilled to find a way to continue this vital program.
“It is in no small part due to the generosity of local businesses and individuals who donate to Tomorrow Today,” she said.
“Those donations contribute directly to the wellbeing of Benalla’s students.”
If you would like to donate to Tomorrow Today to help continue this program into the future, please visit www.tomorrowtoday.com.au and click on donate, or call 5762 1211.
