Emily Sweet

Thank you for your support, as I compete in Dancing With Our Stars.

It's an absolute privilege to take part in this event, learning a new skill in ballroom dancing while raising money to help our most disadvantaged in the Ballarat community.

I've volunteered with The Ballarat Foundation for the past 10 years as an advocate, committee member and board member. I've seen first-hand the impact that these donations make on our community and it is so important to get involved where you can.

Your donations will improve outcomes in early childhood, youth success, housing and food security, within Ballarat. Examples include:

* More than 3,400 books delivered to children aged 0-5 years of age through the Ballarat Reads program, helping children build a love of books and reading before they reach school.

* This year, the Foundation distributed 800 Back to School vouchers to families in need across 41 schools in the Ballarat region. These vouchers enable families to buy new shoes, uniforms or schoolbags and can be the difference between a child being accepted or not.

*50 young drivers graduated through the L2P program, obtaining their licence with the help of more than 90 volunteer mentors. These drivers are from homes where mum or dad may not be able to drive. Getting their licence is essential to a young person gaining employment.

*Funding breakfast and lunch programs in schools. Many families are making decisions on whether to put fuel in the car or buy food for their children, and these programs ensure children aren't going without.

* Funding programs to provide meals for the homeless in Ballarat. These are critical programs in the community.

Your donations to my dance campaign are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support.

A big thank you to my major sponsor - The Rotary Club of Ballarat Young Ambition.