The Kids In Need Waikato Charitable Trust

The Kids in Need Waikato Charitable Trust (KIN) was established in 2018 after its Founders, Linda and Graeme Roil, had been providing support to foster families since 2014. As foster carers themselves, they saw first hand the lack of support that directly impacted the children. They set out to make a difference by providing personalised care packs of essential clothing, shoes, toiletries, stationery, books and toys, to children that were uplifted and being raised by someone other than their biological parents.

Since 2019, Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children, has been mandated to improve outcomes for children. Children are being placed in the care of their wider whānau, often grandparents, many of whom are already experiencing material hardship. KIN is able to alleviate some of their financial stress by providing ongoing support for the children in their care.

From humble beginnings based in Linda and Graeme’s home in Cambridge, KIN has matured into a highly organised and professional operation, incorporating two purpose built sheds to enable storage and packing of personalised care packs. In 2023, we proudly supported 1100 children in 460 families. With the help of Rotary Clubs in the Waikato, we were able to distribute Christmas gifts to 1163 children and 441 caregivers. For many, these were the only gifts they received.

Last year, demand for our care pack service increased by 20% compared to 2022, this reflects the trend in rising child poverty as measured by Stats NZ for the year ended June 2023.