ABOUT KIDS IN NEED WAIKATO

OUR PURPOSE

We act, in trust, for children within the Waikato region, who are in the care of someone other than their parents, including support for the caregiver.

OUR VISION

Every child feels valued, and recognises the potential to create a better future.

OUR VALUES

Care with compassion
Act with integrity
Keep an open mind
Empower others

OUR STORY

Graeme and Linda Roil began fostering in 2014 - focusing mainly on the support of newborns, and emergency and respite care for older children. They were deeply concerned with the level of support, for both foster children and also their caregivers.

They began engaging with the community for donations, and providing care packs to kids in need. This included children placed into foster care, and grandparents raising grandchildren.

Originally based out of their home the project quickly took off, and during 2017 donated goods took over their home. Linda aptly described it as a “happy” problem.

Through a request for donations via a Givealittle fundraiser, they set out to buy a container for storage. Through generous donations, they raised enough money to allow a container to be purchased. This included support from ASB, with Linda being chosen for their Good as Gold campaign.

Within six months, donated goods filled up their container and their home. A Charitable Trust was established in early 2018, along with a governing Board.

A decision was made by Graeme and Linda to build a large shed on the property, for both storage and a place for the charity to work from. It was constructed in October 2018, and once again through generous community support - it is now lined, fully insulated and adjoins a repurposed adventure playground for kids.

A new shed for bulk storage and special projects has been added this year (2023). Linda works full time as a volunteer for the charity. Graeme has supported strategy, fundraising and direction of the Trust, with the support of the Trusts capable Governance. Graeme and Linda are still fostering. They set out to make a difference, and they are.