They tell us we face a 'cost of learning' crisis and it's getting harder for families to stay afloat. Many kids will arrive in class without the bare essentials – or even worse, not attend at all as they don't have food, correct uniforms or stationery. It's so unjust because education is their best chance of escaping poverty. But together, we can get kids back in school and learning. As individuals, we feel helpless. As a collective, our power is extraordinary.
I’m very worried about winter. Some of our kids just wear shorts, because families can’t afford long pants, and they don’t have jackets either. But it’s even got to the point where some of our kids can't come to school, because it's either petrol in the car or a bit of food – NZ Support Worker
My last school had KidsCan support, and so on frosty mornings those kids had shoes, and the jackets were a big hit. The kids were always so grateful. That’s why I’ve applied to get KIdsCan support here, to get them for our students. It’s the little things, eh?” – NZ Principal
I’m very worried about winter. Some of our kids just wear shorts, because families can’t afford long pants, and they don’t have jackets either. But it’s even got to the point where some of our kids can't come to school, because it's either petrol in the car or a bit of food – NZ Support Worker
My last school had KidsCan support, and so on frosty mornings those kids had shoes, and the jackets were a big hit. The kids were always so grateful. That’s why I’ve applied to get KIdsCan support here, to get them for our students. It’s the little things, eh?” – NZ Principal
“This is always the hardest time of the year for vulnerable families as they face crippling back to school costs - but 2024 may be the toughest yet. We’re facing record demand with thousands of students waiting for help. Our charity is under huge pressure.”- KidsCan CEO Julie Chapman
An ongoing gift offers stability and continuity to kids in need. With you alongside us, we can keep children fed, clothed and healthy for as long as they need us.
A monthly donation helps us to plan, evolve and expand our programmes. Your support is the rock on which we can build.
A monthly gift is cost-effective for us to process – so more of your money goes to our work on the ground in schools and preschools.
Generous Kiwis donate money to help give all children the best possible chance in life.
Schools and ECEs place their orders online with KidsCan based on their children's needs.
Our warehouse team and volunteers pack food, raincoats, shoes and basic health items to be delivered to over 1,000 Schools and ECEs around NZ.
Children experience your kindness daily and are fed, warm and dry - ready to learn.
The best way to reach children in need is through their schools and early childhood centres (ECEs). Teachers know which families are struggling and which children are being held back (or not attending school at all) because they lack the essentials. We already feed over 54,000 children in schools and ECEs across the country. But many more desperately need our help. The money raised will help us continue to feed the 54,000 we already do and reach more quickly the thousands of children waiting for our support.