As winter bites, schools tell us of siblings taking turns wearing shared clothing, increased illness due to crowded homes and unsuitable clothing, and a lack of transport especially on cold, wet days. Some children arrive without shoes or a warm sweatshirt, even in freezing conditions.
The repercussions are huge. These challenges not only affect their ability to attend regularly but also impact their comfort, concentration and readiness to learn when they do make it to school.
We’ve launched an urgent Winter Appeal, with the support of our amazing Principal Partner Meridian Energy, to provide children in need with food, warm waterproof jackets, and sturdy shoes. Because helping everyone starts with helping someone.
Poverty isn’t getting any better. It’s the largest number of children living in material hardship since official reporting began in 2018. And it's not ok. When kids don’t have the essentials – regular meals, warm clothing, and shoes – they can’t concentrate on learning, or they simply don’t make it to school. Every day they lose in the classroom sets them back, not just in their learning, but in their chance for a brighter future. Winter only makes this harder.
But teachers tell us when children are fed and warm everything changes. They settle in class, they learn, they develop better social skills and they thrive. That’s the difference a warm raincoat, sturdy shoes, and food at school can make.
Your donation means nutritious food.
Your donation means cozy, waterproof jackets.
Your donations means shoes, socks and basic health items.
We make your generosity go a long way. 80% of your donation goes straight to our programmes. We invest a further 12% in to fundraising and marketing to raise even more funds - multiplying your impact.
A monthly donation 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 donation helps us do more for less – so more of your money goes to our work on the ground in schools and preschools.
Provides a child with a week of hot meals
Provides a child with a pair of sturdy shoes and socks.
Provides a child with as fleece-lined jacket, sturdy shoes and socks.
Feeds a child breakfast for a term.
Every dollar you give makes a difference!
