Our Work

KidsCan exists to meet the physical and nutritional needs of Kiwi kids less fortunate than others. It’s our mission to provide food, clothing and basic healthcare in schools to enable disadvantaged children to be more engaged in their education and reach their full potential.

Hungry, wet, cold and stressed is no way to start the school day (if it doesn’t stop them from getting to school) but for over 295,000 Kiwi children living in hardship that is the reality. This can impact their educational growth and lead to a lifelong pattern of underachievement. There is a way to break this cycle; by providing simple things like food, shoes, socks and raincoats, kids can arrive at school ready and able to learn. Our aim is to prevent children in hardship from becoming adults in hardship by giving them the start in life they deserve. 

KidsCan starts its work with children at primary school level and supports them for as long as they need it, right through high school in some cases. We focus on three core areas: food, clothing and health. Together with individuals, community, business and government we can alleviate child hardship and create long-term change. Our practical programmes ensure a greater number of disadvantaged New Zealand children are able to achieve good educational outcomes and reach their full potential.

We partner with low decile schools all over New Zealand to provide kids with the basics, but we can only do this with your help.