Help a child out this summer

Getting the kids ready to go back to school can be hard for many families but for some it can seem like an insurmountable challenge.

That’s why two charities are putting their hands up to help children from low socio-economic homes, ensuring there’s enough food on the table and money for basics like shoes or a raincoat.

And you can help too by either becoming a regular contributor or just when you shop for school stationery.

OfficeMax has joined up with children’s charity Barnardos to raise funds for the kids’ free helpline called ‘0800 What’s Up’.

The company has rolled out a doit-yourself colour-me-in bag which is priced at $9.99. Five dollars from each sale will be donated to the helpline during what is its busiest time.

Barnardos Fundraising manager Jacqui Ritchie said every $5 donated helps answer another call.

‘‘Every bit counts when it comes to providing support and doing more for kids across the nation,’’ she says.

OfficeMax Australia and New Zealand’s managing director Kevin Obern says purchasing the colourme-in bag for your child is ‘‘not only great for back to school but also provides a valuable lesson on the importance of helping others less fortunate’’.

KidsCan, through its programmes, has been helping students at 70 schools in South Auckland with food, raincoats, shoes, and basic health and hygiene items.

The Child Poverty Alleviation Charity revealed 75 per cent of the students at the decile one schools it partners with reported children arriving without having had breakfast and without any lunch for the day.

KidsCan CEO Julie Chapman says ‘‘we all have a responsibility’’ to ensure our communities and children thrive. She’s asking Kiwis to donate less than a $1 day to help those who are struggling.

‘‘I think most New Zealanders would agree that it’s not ok that so many of our children are going hungry and without the basics through no fault of their own.’’

They are looking for Kiwis willing to support a child in need for $15 a month (50 cents a day) through its ‘In Our Own Backyard’ programme. This donation will provide a child with food at school, a raincoat, shoes, socks and basic health and hygiene items.

‘‘It's not ok that so many of our children are going hungry and without the basics through no fault of their own.’’