Variety supports Foundation's first full region project
The Sammy D Foundation to deliver its first full region project to help end violence in SA region with the highest need.
The Sammy D Foundation will deliver its ‘Violence Prevention’ and ‘Alcohol and Other Drugs’ Programs to all schools in the Northern Adelaide Metro Region, thanks to ground-breaking funding from Variety, the Children’s Charity.
Variety has committed to providing $490,000 over three years to enable the Sammy D Foundation to achieve its goal of educating students across a whole community about the impacts of violence over a sustained period of time.
Schools in the Northern Adelaide government region have in the past experienced the highest need in relation to violence and alcohol and other drug misuse in South Australia.
The funding allows for 80% of the schools in the region – 99 schools including government, Catholic and Independent schools - to receive the Foundation’s recommended schedule of education, which reaches students at four key developmental times over their school lifetime.
Each year,178 programs will reach approximately 14,826 students across years 5, 7, 9 and 10.
The Sammy D Foundation’s school-based presentations and educational workshop sessions for young people address the consequences of violence and drug and alcohol misuse, and provide young adults with the knowledge and strategies to keep themselves and their mates safe, with the goal to achieve a whole school culture where violence is not accepted.
As a result of the Foundation’s school-based programs, 96% of participants have acknowledged that they were made more aware of the impact of one-punch attacks, 93% had a greater understanding of the risks associated with alcohol and other drug misuse and 88% indicated they would share the information they heard with others.
Brigid Koenig, CEO of The Sammy D Foundation, said this funding was an exciting opportunity to see the benefits of primary prevention education:
“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to showcase the power of our primary prevention programs. We know our programs have a real impact not only on the lives of young adults, who gain tools to manage negative situations around violence, drug and alcohol, but the effects on the larger community is immensely positive and immediately visible. Studies show a clear trajectory between aggressive behaviour as early as year 2 into violent behaviours and substance use by Year 8. We know this consolidated approach throughout students school lives will create a kinder, safer society for us all.”
Mark McGill CEO of Variety said “The old adage, ‘prevention is better than cure’ epitomises Variety’s partnership goals with the Sammy D Foundation. This significant investment aims to educate and empower children and youths to make better choices that ultimately will lead them on a safer and healthier pathway.”
Further information about how schools can access this funding will be sent out shortly!
About The Sammy D Foundation
The Sammy D Foundation educates young people on the impacts of bullying, and drug and alcohol fuelled violence. By providing relevant age-appropriate information, knowledge and tools. The Foundation’s purpose is to end violence by connecting and empowering young people. The Foundation was created by husband-and-wife team Neil Davis and Nat Cook after their 17-year old son Sam was fatally king hit while trying to intervene in a fight at a party in 2008.
About Variety
Variety – the Children’s Charity of South Australia helps kids who are sick, disadvantaged or who live with a disability by granting practical equipment and funding programs because all kids deserve a fair go. Last year, Variety supported more than 181,281 kids in South Australia through 244 grants totalling $6.23million.