NewsOctober/November 2011

This year’s Christmas Cracker Appeal will be on sale from 1st November and is packed full of fabulous prizes. 150,000 Crackers will be on sale through The Warehouse, VTNZ, The Mad Butcher, Identity, adidas, Athletes Foot, The Coffee Club and Fuijifilm.

Each Cracker costs just $2 and gives you the chance to win from a $100,000 prize pool.

Prizes include two Rarotonga holidays for 2 adults, including accommodation and flights, a luxury weekend package, a Springfree Trampoline, Gift hampers, A Planet Fun kids toy package, a Signed All-Blacks Replica Jersey, Fujifilm FINEPIX Z90 digital cameras, Skinfood skincare packs, coffee vouchers from The Coffee Club, and Fatso One Month Memberships

Look out for the cracker adverts over the next two months on buses in Auckland and Wellington thanks to the team at isite and The Image Centre.

KidsCan are also launching the “Kids Helping Kids” initiative where schools can get on board selling the Christmas Crackers. Schools can fundraise for themselves whilst helping kids less fortunate at the same time.

If you would like to buy some of these fabulous Crackers for your work, school, friends or relatives hop on line to www.kidscan.org.nz or call 09 478 1525

LET’S GET CRACKING!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ALL BLACKS KidsCan congratulates the All Blacks on their magnificent RWC win.

Celebrate with Mana – a high quality coffee table book which goes behind the scenes of the 2010 All Blacks.

Mana is now just $50 and the perfect gift for any rugby fan. You can order your copy online at www.kidscan.org.nz, visit adidas Retail Stores or any good bookshop.

Look out for our Mana campaign at a bus-shelter near you – thanks to Adshel and The Image Centre.

GREAT BOOK / GREAT CAUSE

Detail: Maul, Hamilton By Nick Danziger

MANA goes inside the All Blacks and is available now from adidas Retail Stores and from all good bookshops. All profits go to KidsCan to help Kiwi Kids.

www.kidscan.org.nz www.themanaproject.com

Thanks to the 2010 All Blacks, NZRU, adidas, Pyne Holdings and Hodder Moa for their generous support.

Design by DNA Design

Proudly supported by:

CEO REPORT

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the All Blacks and NZRU on their success. This year has been incredibly busy for KidsCan also with demand for our programmes continuing to grow. I am pleased to report that so far this year we have been able to provide 15,533 raincoats, 7,043 pairs of shoes, 14,806 pairs of socks, 8,598 beanies and more than 1.6 million food items for children in need. We have also provided substantial additional support for children in our Christchurch schools who were hard hit by the earthquake. I have been fortunate to travel to Christchurch twice since the earthquake and have seen firsthand the devastation that has affected so many people’s lives. I am proud that KidsCan can play its part in providing a hand up for children and families and we will continue to do so in the coming year. As we are not too far away from the end of the year I would like to extend special thanks to the KidsCan Board of Trustees Bill Birnie (Chairman) Glenda Hughes and John Kensington. These people generously donate their time, working with me to ensure KidsCan has good governance, robust financial practices and strategic direction for a sustainable future. I could not do my job without their support and thank them for their continued passion and committment.

Kind regards,

Julie Helson CEO

As I sit at my desk writing this I can’t believe we are almost at the end of October.What a big year it has been for New Zealand with some good and some not so good happenings that have really brought us together as a nation. Recently the country has been gripped by the Rugby World Cup

MASSEY UNIVERSITYRESEARCH PROJECTMassey University recently completed an evaluation of ourprogrammes which found they are making a significant difference for children who are in need of a hand up. We are pleased to share a summary on each programme from the report with you.

‘Raincoats for Kids’The programme is very well received by schools, parents and children. School staff members were satisfied with the logistics or ordering and delivery. Schools were pleased that the guidelines were flexible enough to fit the programme to the school, including how to distribute and recycle the raincoats. There is no stigma associated with the raincoats and the children take good care of them. The raincoats were positively influencing children’s attendance, self-esteem and pride the association with the All Blacks was well received. Additionally, there were examples of the raincoats reducing social differences for some children as they looked the same as their peers and attanded activities as a unified group. Improving children’s self-esteem and sense of belonging are important for children’s motivation, participation and engaement at school, and can impact academic achievement. The contribution of Raincoats for Kids to building self-esteem and a culture of belonging at a school-wide level is of significant value to the schools, and has a real and positive effect on children’s experience of school.

‘Shoes for Kids’There were positive effects observed for children receivingshoes, particularly in relation to increasing their ability to participate, and participate at a level equal to their peers. this participation may also positively impact on children’s physical health. The effect on self-esteem and pride was also notable, particularly when the children are first given the shoes. Overall, the shoes were considered to be of significant benefit to the children as they contributed to the schools’ ability to create a culture of caring, where children feel valued and have a sense of belonging - and it is this type of environment that enhances the likelihood of children being able to thrive and succeed at school. This aspect of the programme made it stand out as a great success.

‘Food for Kids’Literature reports show that the school food programmes are general ly associated with improvements and in KidsCan’s key areas of interest, the results in this study showed that improvements were noted in areas such as behaviour, concentration, attendance and social differences. The research has highlighted the positive aspects of the programme and has demonstrated that the freedom accorded to schools by KidsCan has allowed them to usethe food well and to good effect, in ways that ensuredchildren were fed and were not stigmatised as a result, and that enhanced their wellbeing. They were also using it on occasion to support the families of those children in need, and to augment the caring culture of schools, which can be expected to have a positive effect on children’s outcomes.

GRANTS RECIEVED Thanks to the following for supporting KidsCan

Auckland Council – Otara/Papatoetoe Board $2,300, Auckland Council – Mangere/Otahuhu Board $500, Auckland Council – Manurewa Board $3,000, Auckland Council – West Auckland Board $1,000, Auckland Council – Papakura Board $2,000, Buy1Give1 $1,909.72, John Beresford Swan Dudding Trust $5,000, Localist Karma Fund $4,000, Milverton Trust $500, Rosser Foundation $2,000, Turnaround Ashburton $1,000

KIDS BUILD CONFIDENCE AT MERC Sir Peter Blake Marine Education & Recreation Centre (MERC), KidsCan and Get a Party Bus teamed up to provide one lucky KidsCan partner school a 3 day camp.

MERC sponsored by the Sir Peter Blake Trust, is set up to provide a range of groups, from schools to businesses, the opportunity to participate in outdoor adventure activities amongst the beautiful backdrop of Waitemata Habour.

Finlayson Park School, from South Auckland were chosen to attend the camp, and over 3 days the kids had a fantastic time participating in new challenges, learning about the marine environment in and around Long Bay, and having heaps of fun! Bathsheba Tofilau, of Finlayson Park School said “An

opportunity like this only comes once in a lifetime so we are so grateful that you were able to select Finlayson Park as the initial school for this partnership”. Bathsheba went on to say “The MERC staff were amazing, so willing to help and they really got alongside our students, learned their names and seemed to enjoy their time with FPS. It was wonderful to go to a camp where we hadn’t spent the last 8 months fundraising and when we had free choice of activities (they were not price dependent). Having the qualified instructors with obvious safety routines and procedures really allowed us to relax and enjoy our time at camp too. The food was also outstanding.” KidsCan would like to say a big thanks to MERC for making this possible and Get a Party Bus for transporting the kids to and from school.

BEANS OR SPAGHETTI Watties ‘The Verdict’ campaign set to find out what New Zealand’s favourite can is, Baked Beans or Spaghetti. As a partner and supporter Watties asked KidsCan to nominate a Partner School to be part of ‘The Verdict’ announcement. Mangere Central Primary School was chosen, with the school being supplied a breakfast prior to announcing the winner. The 460 students at the school tucked into Baked Beans and Spaghetti on toast. It was great morning, with the children enjoying being part of this important decision. The kid’s favourite was Spaghetti, but the New Zealand public voted for Baked Beans. KidsCan would like to acknowledge and say a big thanks to Watties for supplying the children with a fantastic breakfast. Thanks too goes to George Western Foods for the supplying the bread and to Huhtamaki for supplying the cutlery. Maybe 2012 will be the year of Spaghetti!

KIA KAHA CHCH Andrew Leighton, KidsCan Community Relations Executive, recently visited 10 of KidsCan partner schools in Christchurch. Andrew was shocked and inspired by the situation. The schools have suffered enormous stress with some losing 20% of their school roll. Infrastructure was damaged resulting in significant disruption with schools sharing sites with other schools. Andrew said “with adversity has come strength and character building. I have been amazed at how posit ive people are.” A number of principals commented that the KidsCan support had been significant and much appreciated.

The survival blankets (funded by Ngaitahu.iwi fundraising) and thermals were one less thing the schools had to worry about. Andrew went on “many of the schools told of how these event have put life into perspective. The life of family members or friends is far more important than possessions or property.” KidsCan would like to acknowledge the inspiring work that is being carried out by the partner schools in Christchurch during this difficult time of recovery, which is immense and humbling.

SPOT LIGHT ON MIRAMAR SCHOOLKidsCan recently received this letter from the principal from Miramar South School. It really shows that KidsCan makes a huge difference. Miramar South School is a decile 2 primary school with 110 pupils on the school role.

Dear KidsCan,

Thank you so much for your wonderful contribution to the health and wellbeing of our beautiful children over the past year! Our mission statement says “Where everybody is somebody” and Kidscan enable us to ensure that this is so.

The food you have provided has meant that none of our chil-dren have had to worry about where the next meal is coming from in a time of economic crisis. Attendance at school has been enhanced because some parents kept children at home on days when they could not supply a lunch. Parents are less stressed about providing food because they know their child will not be hungry at school. The raincoats have also improved attendance on wet days. Not to mention that a few have worn them on a hot sunny day too because they look cool! The beanies too were very popular and kept children warm. Suitable footwear for children is costly and our families have really appreciated that their children have been given a new pair of shoes in the right size!

Generally our community do their best to provide the basics for their families. At present this is very difficult for them. In our recent consultations with our various ethnic groups there was a lot of appreciation by the parents for Kidscan and what they do for our children. A group of our students went recently to an All Blacks game. This was a huge highlight in the year for them and a first opportunity to see a live game at the stadium for all of them! Our families would love to provide these experiences for their children but this is an activity beyond their means.

Your help is truly appreciated.

Jeanette De La MarePrincipal.

ADIDAS TAKES KIDS TO THE FINALThree lucky Glenavon School children were chosen to attend the final of the Rugby World Cup at Eden Park in Auckland. The KidsCan partner school located in Blockhouse Bay in Auckland got the last minute call from KidsCan and sprung into action. The three children were chosen at random and were over the moon. The evening started with the adidas pre-game party. The kids had a great time meeting Dan Carter and Colin Slade. adidas were a fantastic host and made the boys feel very welcome. They were stoked to see Richie lift the World Cup. The boys said “I can’t beleive I’m here” and “This is mean as!”

BIG NIGHT IN Dunedin is set to rock on Saturday 12th of November as The Big Night In hits town. The Big Night In will celebrate the 150th anniversary of New Zealand‘s oldest daily newspaper the Otago Daily Times.

This community event is being supported by Dunedin City Council and is being held at the recently finished Forsyth Barr Stadium. It will be a chance for families to spend time together, laugh, sing and watch some great acts. The event brings together the excellent musical talent of the Otago region and also celebrates the opening of the new stadium.

KidsCan and local Lion’s Clubs will benefit from this event.

The acts include Jackie Clarke, Chris Fennessy, La Forza, and Tina Cross, Ainslie Allen, Libby Hamilton, Greg MacLeod, Jenn Shelton and Kawiti Waetford to name a few.

Entry is by free ticket only, but you do need to get your ticket in advance. Visit www.bignightin.co.nz for further information.

AUCKLAND GARDEN DESIGNFESTThe Garden Design Society of New Zealand (GDSNZ) and Newmarket Rotary have joined forces, unveilingplans for a new garden design event kicking off in Auckland this spring.

The inaugural ‘Auckland Garden Designfest’ will take place over the weekend of 19 & 20 November. KidsCan is one of three charities chosen to receive proceeds from the event. Professional garden designers have been invited to submit gardens which best reflect their style. The finest 24 examples will be featured during the weekend garden event.

Designers will be fronting the gardens, offering visitors the opportunity to meet with them informally. Limited seats are available on a bus tour of the event which includes lunch and ends with drinks at the stately Highwic House, in Epsom. KidsCan would like to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors of the event: Second Nature, Flower Carpet, Unitec, NZILA, Palmers GardenWorld, Frontier Pools, Highwic, Landscapedesign.co.nz, Stone and Water World, CushionFall and the Garden Lighting Company. For more information and to book tickets visit www.gardendesignfest.co.nz

RINGSIDE NZ PRESENTS FIGHT NIGHT VIII Fight Night is where normally mild-mannered business people (both guys and girls), transform through training into prize-fighters. They are then matched up against one another in the ring for three, two minute rounds, for the entertainment of their professional peers.

Fight Night VIII will take place on Friday 18th November at the Langham Hotel, Auckland, with KidsCan being the chosen charity.

This will be an all glamour event with a strictly formal dress code. Tickets start at $240pp which includes gourmet 3 course meal, 4 hours of unlimited wine, beer, juice and soft drinks, and entry to the after party.

There will be an auction with some great prizes up for grabs.

Tickets available from Mark Michaels markmichaels@xtra.co.nz

WANT THIS NEWSLETTER EMAILED TO YOUR INBOX?Go to www.kidscan.org.nz/newsletterContact details:

(09) 478 1525 info@kidscan.org.nz www.kidscan.org.nz http://www.facebook.com/KidsCanNZ

475 followers now on Facebook

Remuera Primary School in Auckland held a Cultural Day on 9th September with all proceeds going to KidsCan. The students dressed from different cultures, took part in a coin trial, as well as holding cultural games to celebrate the opening of the RWC. The kids dug deep and raised over $1,200. Shana Mutton a teacher at the school said “The kids loved the day and it was awesome seeing all the cultures represented. I thought I would send you this picture of the School Captains.” Thanks to everyone who took part.

KIDS HELPING KIDS

THE KIDSCAN GREAT NEW ZEALAND SANTA RUN The KidsCan Great New Zealand Santa Run is all set for 7th December. A major fundraiser for KidsCan the Santa Run concept is simple a 3km fun run/walk in a Santa suit! The courses are kept easy so everyone can finish, with minimal training.

Started in 2008 by Lactic Turkey Events, the Santa Run has grown from an Auckland only event with additional runs at the same time and date in Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. This year three new venues have been added, Dunedin, Tauranga and Whangarei.

Shaun Collins from Lactic Turkey Events said “This year we have a big goal of 1,500 Santa’s. This is a great family event and is suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness. Last year we had groups of work mates running and we would love to see more of that this year.” There is a special corporate rate of $250 for ten work mates to enter as a team.

Santa Suits are provided to adults entered but there have been awesome outfits and dressing up in previous years. There are prizes at each venue and every entrant gets a goodie bag. This really is a fun night out. For more details and to enter online go to www.santarun.co.nz

THANKS TO CONTINENTAL CARS Thanks to Continental Car Services for their support in sponsoring the operating and maintenance costs for the KidsCan car. The high visibility branded car can be seen around the country. The support from Continental Car Services is very much appreciated.