Vital program just in time for school

Saver Plus helps Brimbank families. (Supplied)

Tara Murray

With school just around the corner, a Brimbank program continues to find ways to help students excel at school.

Families in the Brimbank area are invited to join Saver Plus, which is developed by the Brotherhood of St Laurence and ANZ and is delivered locally by The Smith Family.

Saver Plus is a financial education program that strengthens participants’ financial skills and savings habits.

Over a 10-month period, participants save monthly for an education-related goal and complete online financial education workshops.

Upon successfully reaching their savings goal, participants are awarded up to $500 in matched savings from ANZ.

Saver Plus coordinator Aara Paora says the program is a great way to help families start planning for upcoming back to school costs, including sports and other activities.

“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on families in our community. Getting kids back to school and into their extra-curricular activities will play a major role in supporting wellbeing. I encourage families to enrol in Saver Plus now as an easy way to start saving for these costs.

The continuation of the program comes as the Smith Family seeks more ways to help students return to the classroom.

The Smith Family has launched the 2022 Back to School Appeal, with the children’s education charity needs to find 5,200 new sponsors for their Learning for Life program that provides vital emotional, financial and practical support, helping children to make the most of their education.

Tara Murray