Hard working school administrators, teacher aides and teachers are personally funding jackets and shoes for children at one primary school in Mid Canterbury while they wait for assistance from KidsCan.
The school is one of 98 schools and early childhood centres in New Zealand on a waiting list for support from the charitable trust.
The school’s principal, who did not want the school to be named, said the school had been on the waiting list since January this year, and did not know when they might get support.
About 12 families would be assisted once KidsCan was on board to provide warm jackets and suitable foot wear. The warm clothing would help to reduce the number of absences.
‘‘It was stressful over winter to see children without adequate shoes or jackets,’’ the principal said.
‘‘We have children waiting for the school bus without jackets. One day we noticed a pupil not walking properly and learned their shoes were too small.’’
KidsCan provides food, jackets, shoes, and health products to 889 schools and 205 early childhood centres.
This includes Rakaia School, the only Mid Canterbury school presently part of the programme.
The school has been with KidsCan for more than five years.
The charitable trust provides the school with jackets, shoes, food and sanitary products.
Principal Mark Ellis said he ordered the items most terms and appreciated the charitable trust’s generosity.
‘‘New children get jackets when they are available, and we also replace jackets when children grow out of their’s. We have given away over 100 jackets,’’ Ellis said.
‘‘Children are given these items because they are Rakaia kids. We do not discriminate or cause any issues in identifying pupils. A lot of this work is done by staff talking with me and the office, so we can ensure children are warm, clothed and fed,’’ he said.
There was increasing complexities with children and the community.
The rising cost of rent and power meant some families required the generosity of others.
‘‘We appreciate the donations and acknowledge all of those New Zealanders and companies who sponsor KidsCan. They can hold their heads up high knowing they are supporting our children,’’ Ellis said.
The charitable trust has been operating for 19 years. In 2023, it supplied children with 6.2 million items of food, 57,884 pairs of shoes, and 66,280 jackets across New Zealand.
KidsCan chief executive Julie Chapman said the poverty line was shifting.
‘‘It’s heartbreaking to see children, who didn’t need help before, now arriving at school lacking the very basics. And we are unable to get food and clothing to them, because we don’t have enough funding,’’ Chapman said.
“The repercussions are huge. When kids are cold and hungry, they can’t learn, and they get left behind,’’ she said.
- To give to KidsCan go to kidscan.org.nz
