Founded by teacher Andrea McKellar, of the Rotary Club of Box Hill Central, Vic, Teacher Presence is a not-for-profit charity on a mission to create a community of educators that spread the importance of kindness, empathy and gratitude through the gift of giving.
By helping redirect money that would otherwise be used for the optional end of year teacher/educator gifts from families to charities aligned with Teacher Presence, educators lead by example and show students the impact of giving to those in need.
“So, rather than an educator receiving a mug or a box of chocolates, the funds are redirected to one of our three aligned charities, turning the gesture into a meaningful contribution that truly makes a difference,” says Andrea.
PICTURED: Eat Up is the only Australian charity providing free lunches to school children on a national scale.
“At the end of the school year, I used to receive gifts totalling upwards of $400. I know that I am lucky in my life, and I realised that this money could be used to help others, hence Teacher Presence was born.
“I have always loved the kind words and the sentiments around an appreciation gift, but I really don’t need a candle, and I certainly don’t need a box of chocolates! Now, the money that could have been spent on these gifts gets redirected to those in need.”
Educators choose if they would like to be involved with Teacher Presence and which charity they would like to support. The organisation is aligned with three different charities:
The Rotary backed Operation Toilets, which builds toilets and sanitation facilities in India and other countries so girls can attend school.
Eat Up, the only Australian charity providing free lunches to school children on a national scale.
Berry Street, an independent community service organisation and Australian charity that provides support programs to children experiencing poverty, violence and abuse to help families stay together.
PICTURED: Teacher Presence also supports the Rotary backed Operation Toilets, which builds toilets and sanitation facilities in India and other countries so girls can attend school.
Teachers who sign up are entered into a database and school families can search for their teacher via the Teacher Presence website. They then make a donation to their teacher’s chosen cause and can leave a message of thanks for their support and guidance throughout the year.
Teacher Presence does not receive any of the money donated – 100 per cent of all donations go directly to the teacher’s nominated charity.
“It’s a gift that makes a real difference,” says Andrea.
“I encourage all of our amazing Rotary members to spread the word of Teachers Presence to the teachers, educators and families they know.”
For more information on Teachers Presence, visit teacherpresence.org. YouTube videos can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW7kxLAERhc and www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ3KT2DHq7c
MAIN PICTURE: Australian charity Eat Up is one of the three charities that Teacher Presence supports.