Local example of appeal benefits

The Smith Family charity for disadvantaged children is using a local scholarship winner as an example of the benefits of supporting its annual Winter Appeal.

Empire Bay resident Mr James Cosentino received a tertiary scholarship from the charity, which he says has lifted a "huge burden" from his life as a university student.

"It was a relative who put me onto The Smith Family's Learning for Life program when I was in Year 11 and both the access to programs and financial support it offered appealed to me," Mr Consentino said.

"I live with my mum and have to care for her a lot of the time because she has an ongoing illness, so it has lifted a huge burden knowing I don't have to worry as much about affording school and then university.

"I'm in my second year of a Bachelor of Applied Science in Exercise degree at Sydney University and am aiming towards completing a Masters.

"All up it will be five years of uni, so the support of The Smith Family through Learning for Life is invaluable in helping me afford text books.

"Just one book can be $150 and you only need it for one semester."

Mr Consentino said the mentor program that came with the scholarship was also beneficial and rewarding.

"What's been even better about the scholarship though is the mentor I was matched with halfway through my first year.

"My mentor's a physio with the Australian swim team and he invited me to the team trials last year where I got to meet some of the swimmers.

"Since its early days in my degree, I don't need to make big decisions about my future yet, but he's helping guide me and making sure I know what grades I need to get to achieve my goals.

"Having a mentor has opened up a lot more opportunities for me in terms of access to contacts.

"I have to do practical placements as part of the degree and my mentor was the one who introduced me to someone at the NSW Institute of Sport who I'll be doing my next placement with.

"I email my mentor maybe once or twice a month and occasionally give him a call and he's always happy to answer my questions."

According to Mr Consentino, a part-time job at a local takeway outlet has also helped him out financially.

"I live on the Central Coast which means four hours on a train on uni days, but it's not as bad as people think because I can get study done on the way," Mr Consentino said.

"The fare can be expensive, even with a student card, so again the scholarship ensures I can get my ticket each week.

"Recently I've been offered a job at Subway which will help with bills as well.

"I start my training in a few weeks.

"When I finish my degree I'd like to travel for a while and then my ultimate goal is to open my own clinic which will combine gym and physiotherapy services."

The Smith Family chief executive officer Ms Elaine Henry said the organisation would continue to provide struggling families with support especially throughout the global economic crisis.

"The enormity of the economic crisis means more families than ever will be struggling with day-to-day costs of living, let alone able to then find leftover budget to afford schooling expenses for their children," Ms Henry said.

"We are encouraging those who can afford to give to do so in support of their fellow Australians.

"In this country we should not be seeing children left with no choice but to wear their summer uniform in winter, simply because the expense of a winter uniform is unmanageable for parents.

"Donations to the Winter Appeal will support The Smith Family in delivering literacy, numeracy, mentoring and tutoring programs, along with financial support for essential educational items, to disadvantaged children in 95 communities across Australia."

The Winter Appeal will run until July 31, with all donations made before June 30 fully tax deductible during the 2008/09 financial year.

To support the Winter Appeal call 1800 024 069 or visit www.thesmithfamily.com.au

Scott Hastings, 14 May 2009 Interviewee: James Cosentino, Empire Bay