Thanks to your kindness, we delivered 2,110 care packs to children entering care - our highest number since we began in 2018. Included in this number, are 195 emergency packs that you helped provide for children and caregivers facing urgent or crisis situations.  You made it possible for over 1,300 children to receive ongoing support throughout the year, including the 580 dedicated caregivers whose resilience continues to inspire us.

This year also highlighted just how powerful this community truly is.  We simply couldn’t operate without the 30+ regular volunteers who give their time and heart to our work - one of the many reasons we received this year’s Team Award from Volunteering Waikato. This was complimented by the 15 volunteer corporate groups who showed up over the year to create meaningful impact that extends far beyond the hours they served.

We are continually uplifted by those who donate high-quality pre-loved items. You ensure that children entering and living in care receive beautiful, thoughtful packs that restore dignity, comfort, and joy.  And thanks to our partnership with Grin Natural, and their incredible generosity, every child we serve receives quality oral-hygiene products in every care pack they receive.    
 
Because of your belief in growing our reach, we welcomed three Regional Coordinators in Putaruru, Tokoroa, and Waihi. Their leadership is already strengthening our connection to local families, allowing us to respond faster and with greater care. Your support also helped us expand our Caregiver Coffee Groups to 38 this year - double the number in 2024 - offering more opportunities for connection, encouragement, and guidance.

In August, you helped us take a bold step forward as our Board launched The Legacy Project, a capital campaign to secure a permanent home at 118 Fencourt Road. And in October, your generosity opened the doors to the very first family stay at the KIN Retreat - a space that now offers much-needed rest and respite for families who give so much.

Community engagement thrived because of supporters like you. Colour Cambridge - our major fundraising event - celebrated a vibrant second year, raising $37,500. We were uplifted by many independent fundraisers, including the Rotary Cambridge Garden Festival, Oxford Pies and The Breeze Waikato limited edition pie campaign, the Fine Homes Tour - Hamilton, and the Light The World Giving Machine. Every dollar raised translates directly into support for children who need it most.

Your support made it possible for Linda to advocate on behalf of children in care across the region. This year, she spoke to an average of four community groups each month, as well as presenting at the Community Waikato Conference in November - efforts that continue to raise awareness and build stronger networks of support.

Christmas giving reached an all-time high because of your extraordinary generosity. Together, you helped support over 1,850 children this year. We were overwhelmed by the incredible kindness of the community who rallied behind our Christmas campaign - whether by hosting Wish Trees, donating gifts, or donating through our online shop and giving portals, or the groups that volunteered to wrap over 5,000 gifts. Your willingness to give so thoughtfully ensures that every child will feel remembered, valued, and celebrated this Christmas.

As we close this remarkable year, please know that every milestone, every moment of care, and every life uplifted was possible because of you. Your trust, kindness, and belief in this mahi has created a year filled with progress, compassion, and hope.

We are humbled and inspired by the generosity you continue to show.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou!

With love,

Linda, Graeme and the whole Kids in Need team