Berne was told she would ‘never amount to anything’

“I went to 23 different schools and lived with 17 different foster parents. One of my strongest memories was walking to school in an oversized skirt that was held together with a pin, and a shirt that was falling apart. I was always told, ‘You'll never amount to anything. You're dirty. You smell,’” said Berne.

“When I see the ads for The Smith Family and the young girl in the ill-fitting uniform, I just hope that people understand that this is very real. It's not just media. Kids in Australia really experience this.”

Berne has never forgotten how hard her early years were. But she also remembers the kindness of generous strangers. The Smith Family has a long history of helping children living in poverty. When Berne was younger, that came in the form of food and clothing.

Now, through sponsorship, we make sure disadvantaged children have the financial assistance, program support and emotional guidance to help them go further with their education. And Berne is passionate about giving children in need the chance to have a better future.

“Now my husband and I sponsor five children. We write letters and send them birthday cards and gifts. We also gave each of our own children a sponsored child one year for their Christmas present. And they continue to sponsor them, which is wonderful!”

These days Berne is an executive in Digital Health Management and an Associate Professor at a university. It was a long road there and she worked for it every step of the way. She knows that having education support in those early years can make all the difference.

“I feel like breaking that cycle of disadvantage is what I have been able to do and what I want for other young Australians. I love being able to think that the money that I'm giving back is helping some others, making their dark days a little bit better,” said Berne.