ANGLE Auto Finance has embarked on a three-year strategic partnership with The Smith Family, aimed at addressing educational inequality caused by poverty through mentoring, workplace inspiration visits, fundraising, and other voluntary acts.

Angle Auto’s head of capability and communications, Kristen McLoughlin, told GoAutoNews Premium: “As part of our corporate social responsibility, we’re committed to supporting The Smith Family’s objective to provide young students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.” 

The partnership with The Smith Family will see Angle Auto’s support across multiple programs including Learning for Life, which offers students in Australia experiencing disadvantage, financial, personal, and practical support to stay engaged with school and lead to better outcomes later in life. And the new ‘Keep the Change’ program – a financial literacy education program aimed at dramatically improving the futures of underprivileged Australian school students through mentoring and teaching money management. 

“In a series of fun and interactive sessions over five weeks, The Keep the Change program engages students in a range of activities with their facilitators and peers to develop their understanding of important financial concepts, think critically about money and make informed financial decisions for their future.”

“Saving for or financing their first car is often the first major purchase young people make, and we want to ensure they understand how to manage it responsibly,” McLoughlin said.

This strategic partnership was driven by Angle Auto’s employee-led Community and Volunteering Group made up of members from across the organisation. Leading the charge was Kristen McLoughlin (People & Culture), Brock West (Risk & Compliance), Mia Ratcliffe (Wholesale), and Susan Jobson (Strategic Growth).

Ms McLoughlin added, “What we like about The Smith Family is that they have three main support pillars – financial support, as well as personal and practical support, allowing them to provide a wraparound approach that gives young Australians their best chance to succeed at school.

Kristen McLoughlin

“The Smith Family is with children every step of the way, from early childhood through to graduation, working alongside families to ensure students succeed.

“Programs like the iTrack mentoring initiative are also equipping high school students with crucial skills such as resume writing to help set them up for success at the right time when they start looking at getting their first job,” she said.

Angle Auto’s commitment to The Smith Family extends beyond financial literacy, with employees actively participating in The Smith Family’s calendar of fundraising initiatives. 

Most recently their employees participated in ‘The Dream Run’, a month-long fitness challenge, and raised almost $12,000.

Brock West

“These funds go directly toward helping families afford uniforms, books, and other school essentials for their children – so they can feel confident and equal in the classroom.”

“We see education as one of the most powerful change agents in the community, and we are incredibly proud of our employees who are deeply committed to playing an active role in delivering this partnership and helping young Australians succeed”, Ms McLoughlin said.