Kia ora koutou,
The year is already flying by, and with your support, we’ve put together 354 care packs for tamariki in care (as at February 28). Each pack represents a child who now has something of their own—something to bring comfort and joy.
With the colder months approaching, we’re seeing an increasing need for warm clothing, blankets and jackets. The requests from agencies across the Waikato keep coming, and we’re working hard to make sure every child and caregiver who reaches out gets the support they need.
I’m constantly blown away by the kindness of our community—whether it’s long-time supporters, generous funders and sponsors, or the new faces we meet along the way. Your support makes everything we do possible, and for that, I’m truly grateful.
Ngā mihi nui,
Linda Roil
Founder
Kids in Need Waikato
IMPACT (JAN-FEB 2025)
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
I remember it like it was yesterday. In 2014, Graeme and I decided to become foster carers. No sooner had we completed our training than we received a phone call asking us to take a 10-year-old boy. For privacy, I’ll call him Dane.
By the time we met Dane, he had endured years of abuse, been passed from home to home, lived in a boy’s facility, and spent six years in care. When we met him, he was staying in a motel room with a minder—because no one else would take him….
Read the rest of Linda’s story HERE.
YOU'RE AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING WE DO
Your generosity helps us provide essential care packs and supports programmes for children in care and their caregivers. As we step into 2025, we’re committed to growing and improving our services—and we want to hear from you!
We’re launching our first Annual Supporters Survey to gather your insights and ensure we’re delivering the best possible support. It’s quick, easy, and as a thank you, two lucky participants will win a $50 Prezzy card!
Your feedback is invaluable in shaping our future. Thank you for being part of our mission!
COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE.
The survey will close on Friday 4 April.
GET A THIRD OF YOUR DONATION BACK
The end of the financial year is almost here! Did you know that every donation over $5 to Kids in Need Waikato is eligible for a 33% tax credit? That means you get a third of it back!
Why not reinvest your refund to make an even bigger impact? Your generosity can go even further in supporting tamariki in care.
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
For over seven years, Betty and Brenda have been dedicated volunteers with Kids in Need Waikato. As grandparents raising their own grandchildren, they understand both the joys and challenges that come with it—and they’ve made it their mission to give back.
In 2021, their generosity led them to open Busy Bees Op Shop in Cambridge, a store that supports the wider community, including Kids in Need. Their kindness and dedication extend far beyond our organisation, making a meaningful impact on many lives.
We are incredibly grateful for their support and the difference they continue to make.
“I appreciate all the help KIN has given me and others over the years and wanted to give something back. I love what KIN is doing for other families out there who are hurting and need help” Betty
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Kids in Need wouldn’t be here without the support of our community. We are so grateful to our drop-off locations across Waikato for generously opening their doors to collect both preloved and brand-new items.
THANK YOU!
We sincerely appreciate the financial support in January and February from the following groups:
Flower Crate
Flexi Tanks NZ (Vehicle Sponsorship)
Gallagher Group
Leamington Rugby Sports Club - Fishing competition
Morrinsville Kiwanis
Raglan Food Co Ltd
Road and Sport Ltd
Rotary Club of Rototuna
Rubix (Vehicle Sponsorship)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Giving Machine 2024)
Turn and Gymnastics
We are incredibly thankful for the generous grants from the following groups:
A huge thank you to these amazing groups for donating goods or services to Kids in Need Waikato:
HOW CAN YOU HELP THIS MONTH?
As the colder months approach, we’re in need of winter clothing in all sizes (size 2 – size 3XL), particularly warm, snuggly layers such as dressing gowns and onesies.
We also gratefully accept brand new socks and underwear.
If you’re able to help, you can drop off donations at any of our drop-off locations. If you love op-shopping could you keep an eye out for these items for us?
Your generosity makes all the difference—we couldn’t create care packs without your support.
