Kids In Need Update
IN THIS NEWSLETTER:
Our work so far in 2021
August Lockdown
Meet the team
Our Volunteers
Vehicle Sponsorship
Christmas 2021 campaign
New Referral Process
2021 SO FAR...
2021 has been another big year at Kids in Need Waikato. We have put together 721 packs (as at end of October) and are coming into our busiest time of year with Christmas fast approaching.
The August-September Lockdown was a difficult time for many families. As an essential service we were still able to put together and deliver emergency care packs for children.
We have also expanded our team with 2 part-time employees coming on-board. Carley Fisher joins us as the Operations Coordinator, making sure the Kids in Need shed, volunteers and care pack processes are all running smoothly. Rebecca Broadbent joins us as the Administrator for Kids in Need, supporting Carley, Linda and the team with the day-to-day running of the office, accounts and website.
We have implemented a new referral process which means we can collect all of the information we need in one place. We also hope this process makes it easier for those referring children to Kids in Need Waikato.
Linda continues to spread the word about our services through regular meetings in the community as well as providing ongoing support for carers. Since bringing on new team members, Linda has more time to dedicate to being out in the community raising awareness for Kids in Need Waikato and the children and carers we support.
We are excited to spread some Christmas magic again this year. Starting nice and early we are hoping to get ahead of potential disruptions caused by Covid-19 - we have drop-off points around the Waikato and an online Christmas shop where donations can go towards specific gifts.
AUGUST LOCKDOWN
While we had a feeling it was inevitable, the August Level 4 Lockdown was still a shock. During this time, we were still able to put together and deliver packs for children in the Waikato region.
In addition to the regular items we put into our packs, we were also able to include extra stationery and activity books to help these children and those caring for them during lockdown.
Unfortunately it was clear that many of these families - who were already struggling - were finding this lockdown the most difficult.
Providing warm clothes, bedding and toys for these children removed some of the burden these families are experiencing.
MEET THE TEAM
Over the last few months we have expanded our Kids in Need team to work alongside Linda and Graeme Roil and the Board of Trustees.
Carley Fisher joins us as our Operations Coordinator and Rebecca Broadbent as our Administrator. Along with our awesome team of volunteers things are humming along at Kids in Need HQ.
OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS
We are so lucky to have an amazing team of volunteers who regularly give their time to help us in the Kids in Need Shed.
One of the main jobs is sorting all of the donations we receive. From clothes, shoes and toys to toiletries, our volunteers spend hours going through each donation, making sure they are up to our high standard and then adding them to the correct area in the Shed. Our volunteers also put together packs, hand-picking each item and outfit, making sure that the items match the needs of each individual child. We really couldn't do it without them!
VEHICLE SPONSORS
The following businesses and groups have renewed their sponsorship of our Kids in Need Ute:
Give it Back Charitable Trust
Lions Club of Cambridge
Laser Plumbing Cambridge
Edge Protection NZ
Cambridge Real Estate
Their support means that we have a dedicated vehicle to pick up donations, deliver care packs and has also been invaluable to Linda who attends a large number meetings and talks in the community.
Thank you so much for your ongoing support which enables Kids in Need Waikato to continue making a difference in the Waikato region.
WHO WE ARE
The personalised care packs we deliver are lovingly put together by our team.
This process is underpinned by our broader purpose, vision and values.
CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN 2021
Christmas is a tough time for families who are already struggling. Our Christmas campaign has launched and we are collecting gifts to give to children who are in the care of someone other than their parents.
There are 3 ways to help:
Head to our Online Christmas Shop to donate towards a Christmas gift
Drop off unwrapped gifts at one of our drop-off points (drop off any new gift OR fulfill a "wish" that will be under the tree or on our Facebook page)
Donate directly via our website or directly to our bank account with the reference: XMAS 2021.
For more information head to our website! We look forward to spreading some magic this Christmas.
Find out more about Xmas 2021
NEW REFERRAL PROCESS
We have recently introduced a new online referral process to ensure we collect all of the information we need in one place. Social workers and social services can now fill in an online form when referring children and families for a personalised care pack.
If you are a regular referrer or would like to be, please get in touch with us to get the link to this form.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
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