Cromwell-based cherry grower and exporter, New Zealand Cherry Corp. and Shannon Farm have together become a Major Donor of KidsCan with a focus on the Otago/Southland regions.
KidsCan is a New Zealand charity that helps Kiwi kids in need become more engaged in their education so they have a better chance of reaching their full potential by providing food at school, raincoats, shoes and socks, and basic health items. Founded in 2005, KidsCan now supports tens of thousands of children in 742 decile 1- 4 schools across New Zealand.
New Zealand Cherry Corp. and Shannon Farm director, Henry van der Velden, said the companies wanted to give something back to the regional community in which they operate a large orchard, a packhouse.
“New Zealand Cherry Corp. is the first company in the New Zealand fresh produce sector to become a Major Donor of KidsCan. We chose KidsCan because of the charity’s strong track record helping to improve the lives of thousands of Kiwi kids living in income poverty,” Mr van der Velden said.
“It also gives us the opportunity to fly the flag for the charity by adding the KidsCan supporter badge to our cherry product packaging in New Zealand supermarkets and to donate a percentage of our cherry sales to a very good cause,” Mr van der Velden said.
Julie Chapman, KidsCan CEO and Founder, said KidsCan was extremely grateful for the support they receive from all their partners.
“We are very excited to have been chosen as a recipient charity partner for New Zealand Cherry Corp. and Shannon Farm,” Ms Chapman said.
“The funding will enable us to support even more children living in hardship, helping provide these children with food at school, a raincoat, shoes and socks, and health and hygiene items,” Ms Chapman said.
New Zealand Cherry Corp. grows, markets, packs and exports fresh cherries to 10 countries around the world. It has the largest netted orchard in New Zealand and packs all its own fruit at its state-of-the-art package in Cromwell, Central Otago. During the summer picking and packing season the company employs 500 staff and exports approximately 500 tonnes of cherries.
If your organisation is interested in finding out more about partnering with KidsCan email partnerships@kidscan.org.nz.
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For more information contact:
Henry van der Velden, 0274 345 659
Director, New Zealand Cherry Corp.
About KidsCan
KidsCan believes that education equals opportunity and that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have an equal chance to get a good education and break the cycle of hardship.
Currently, KidsCan feeds almost 30,000 children every week and partners with 742 schools in all 16 regions in New Zealand.
KidsCan is proudly supported by Meridian Energy, Principal Partner since 2013.
Kiwis can sign up at www.kidscan.org.nz where $20 a month makes a world of difference.