Programmes

KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust programmes level the playing field for disadvantaged Kiwi kids, enabling them to engage in their education and to be the very best they can be. These tangible initiatives currently support the education of more than 28,000 children each year in 111 low decile schools across New Zealand.

Raincoats for Kids

Low decile schools report high rates of absence in winter as many children simply do not own a raincoat. We provide over 10,000 free Adidas raincoats to children from low income families each year, ensuring they arrive at school warm, dry and in a better position to learn. So far 35,000 children in 111 low decile schools around the country have received coats.

Shoes for kids

Provides free quality footwear and socks for children who consistently come to school in winter without shoes or with shoes that are in bad condition. Before the programme was introduce many of the schools we now support reported that they had to sellotape or staple kids shoes together as they were often falling apart. 'Shoes for Kids' (proudly supported by Number 1 Shoes) reduces foot injury and illness and keeps little feet warm and dry in winter. So far more than 8,000 pairs of shoes and 16,000 pairs of socks have been given to children throughout New Zealand.

Food for Kids

Children living in poverty can never be sure of receiving three meals a day, often filling their tummies on what they get out of the school water fountain. I am sure you will agree all kids deserve to have full tummies, regardless of whether their parents are good people struggling to make ends meet or those who waste money and neglect their responsibilities. The KidsCan 'Food for Kids' programme currently provides free food at school for over 8,500 financially disadvantaged children a week (this equates to 240,000 meals a year). This programme has had a remarkable effect on improving learning ability and concentration levels in class.

StandTall

StandTall is a capability enhancement programme developed to capitalise on the research conducted by Massey University Research in 2006 which found the KidsCan StandTall programmes increase attendance at school, pride and the self-esteem The aim of the 'StandTall' is to provide inspirational and challenging opportunities, underpinned by core values for children who don't experience life beyond the corner dairy. Successful New Zealand business, sports, arts and entertainment personalities act as StandTall Ambassadors/Role Models developing positive relationships with them and the school they attend. By reaching out to children when they have the greatest potential to learn, we can help them break free of the cycle of low expectations and open their eyes to a world of opportunity.