Trustees and Staff

Chairman

Rick Shera is a partner at Lowndes Jordan, he is an expert in information and communication technology law (particularly internet law), and has a masters degree in internet and copyright law. He is a founding member of the Auckland District Law Society's Law and Technology Committee and is Chair of NetSafe the internet safety group and Hector's World Limited, world leading not-for-profit organisations pioneering cybersafety in the use of ICT.
Rick also has significant expertise in advising boards and shareholders in listed companies, particularly in response to takeover situations. He brings a wealth of expertise to the KidsCan Charitable Trust Board and we welcome him to our team.

Founder & General Manager

Julie Helson is the General Manager and founder of KidsCan with over nine years experience in senior roles within the not-for-profit sector. She is responsible for programme development, key partnerships with corporate companies, events, public relations and the overall management of the Trust.

Trustee/Operations Manager

Carl Sunderland is the Operations Manager and a founding Trustee of KidsCan. Carl is a qualified teacher and holds a degree in Psychology. Carl has a particular interest in the welfare of children who are affected by poverty and learning difficulties and works closely with our partner schools to ensure our programmes are delivered in a professional effective manner.

Trustee

Hayley Thow is a Client Manager for TelstraClear, and has been a part of their sales team for the past nine years, creating business solutions to suit commercial client's needs. She has a bachelors degree in Business and various qualifications relating to sales and management. As a mother of one, she has a particular interest in the welfare of New Zealand children, and believes that all children deserve to have their basic physical and nutritional needs met.

Trustee

Craig Forbes is the founder and director of Kinetik Visual Communications which has been involved with KidsCan Charitable Trust from its conception. He has been in the advertising and marketing Industry for over 25 years working on a range of local and multinational accounts. With extensive knowledge in all aspects of marketing communications, Craig contributes volumes of experience and "know-how" to KidsCan projects.

Trustee

Amanda Hotchin became a trustee of KidsCan StandTall in April 2008; with a background in Marketing Management Amanda saw this opportunity as a chance to truly make a difference. Before becoming a Trustee Amanda volunteered her time to KidsCan assisting with the distribution of raincoats and food for children in the low decile schools we support.  Having kids of her own makes it all the more real and she feels a passion for being involved with a charity that is making a difference for kids in her own backyard.

Marketing Coordinator

Anne Titman joined the KidsCan team in August 2006. Anne manages the Trusts national fundraising campaigns and new sponsorship enquires. Anne also provides support to the General Manager in relation to the management of key partner relationships.

Event Manager

Frances Titman joined the KidsCan team in May 2007 to manage the events calendar of the Trust. Frances has a wealth of experience and exceptional attention to detail, ensuring every occasion is memorable for guests and financially beneficial to the Trust.

 

Marketing & Events Manager South Island

Denise Adlam joined the KidsCan team in March 2008. Denise provides a point of contact for our partner schools in the South Island and is responsible for the development of new income streams which will sustain our programmes in the South Island.

Philanthropic Trusts Administrator

Kate Sanderson is employed part-time to manage the Trusts relationships with private Philanthropic Trusts throughout New Zealand. Support from these various Trusts constitutes a significant source of income for KidsCan annually.

Administration Assistant

Andrea Parkinson joined KidsCan in June 2007 as the part-time administration assistant. Andrea will be assisting the team with the day to day running of the trust, school liaison and programme delivery.

Public Relations

Empire Public Relations and Events

Kathy Cunningham - Director

Phone: 09 377 7792

Chartered Accountants

Murray Bell

Inspired Business Solutions

Phone: 09 309 2561

Auditor

Peter Conaglen

Integrity Audits

Phone: 09 268 2538

Legal Advisors

Lowndes Jordan

Auckland

Phone: 09 309 2500