We’ve been proud to be KidsCan’s Principal Partner since 2013 and we’re especially proud to have backed their latest 15for15 fundraising appeal. Backing an appeal means more exposure for KidsCan and their goal to fight child poverty in New Zealand. It also means they can use the money they usually put aside for the appeal for programmes like supplying shoes, jackets, nutritious food and hygiene products to over 1,000 schools and early childhood centres nationwide. For these kids, a cosy jacket and shoes allow them to enjoy things like Little Rippa training and adventures with whānau, without having to worry about being wet or cold.
It’s clear that the increase in the cost of living is having a real impact – rent is up 4%, petrol has increased by 32% and the weekly shop is up by 6%*. For many, it’s getting harder to fill tummies and keep kids minds fueled up and ready to learn. 15% of Kiwi kids – that’s 144,000 – don’t always know where their next meal is coming from and for $15, KidsCan are making sure that children in poverty are getting the food they urgently need.
The results are in from this latest appeal, and we’re stoked that together we smashed the $500,000 target by raising over $650,000 and 851 more people have signed up to make monthly donations. That’s $650,000 raised by everyday Kiwis who want all kids to have a fair start in life. If you donated, thanks so much for your help standing up to child poverty. And if you’d still like to support the mahi that KidsCan are doing, it’s never too late – just head to www.kidscan.org.nz.
As always, thank you for your ongoing support as a Meridian customer – together we’ve got the power to make a difference.
* Annual change to March 2022 in CPI – Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa