What our partner schools say.
“Until last year rainy days were a real issue at Bromley School. Many of our families struggle to afford wet weather gear. Also, as a significant number of children arrive at school on foot, it seems it was often easier to keep children at home and dry rather than send them to school where they would sit in wet clothes all day. Since the raincoats have been in use, there has been a rise in attendance on wet days. This is a very positive result and the children continue to take pride in wearing their trendy raincoats (even when it’s not raining).”
- Teacher Bromley School
“The food items we receive are healthy, nutritional and allow for variety. The children on the programme are more settled with decreasing behavioural problems, more attentive in class and do not need to take food from their classmates.”
- Principal, Wairakei Primary School
“It is extremely hard to put into words the amazing, positive reactions for the work of this trust. Waterview Primary School is grateful to be in this programme because of the genuine need of our children, and the results from being part of it.”
- Principal, Waterview Primary School
“The shoes are a wonderful bonus, especially for some of our athletic children who never have decent footwear when competing in different sporting events. Also for those who come to school with no footwear or shoes which are the wrong size and have difficulty keeping them on their feet.”
- Principal, New River Primary
“KidsCan programmes have made a huge difference to a significant number of our children since we have been involved in the programme. Our children most in need have benefited from shoes and raincoats so that they have arrived at school dry and ready to start the day. For a group of our children we have, through KidsCan, been able to provide breakfast/lunch food where needed so that those children start the day fed and ready for learning.”
- Teacher, Mount Cook School
“Our children don’t take their jackets or the food for granted and know that they are receiving them because someone cares about their health and education. We are very fortunate to be involved with KidsCan StandTall.”
- Teacher, St Anne’s Catholic School
“Previously we would only have found out the kids had no food by checking their bags or watching them at lunchtime and morning tea. Just to illustrate the severe problems a couple of our families have, last week a 7-year old girl was crying at our school at 10 am in the morning, when the teacher asked her what was wrong she said she was crying because she was hungry, the last time she ate was when we fed her at lunchtime the day before. We now send her and her twin brother home with some of the KidsCan food at the end of each day in case there is nothing when they get home. Pretty heartbreaking stuff...”
- Principal, Horohoro School
“The food that has been donated by KidsCan is enjoyed by our younger students; they eat this under supervision in classrooms. In some instances some older students are given food in an informal manner, support staff are trained to watch for hungry students and supply food to them in a very discreet manner. In EVERY instance the feedback from the students and their parents has been overwhelmingly appreciative.”
- Teacher, Broadwood Area School
“We have worked hard with families to have them send their children to school, even if there is no food at home. Parents understand that we do not make judgements; we simply feed a child who is hungry.”
- Teacher, Randwick Park School
“For some of our families providing essentials such as food and clothing is a huge task. Any unforseen expense in the home usually results in money for food or clothing being lost. Rent and vehicle expenses are usually the priority and food and clothing comes way down the list.”
- Teacher, Kawakawa Primary School