Children in Care Team

Teddy icon About Us

Children in Care – Te Manaaki Tamariki is a community-driven charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children across the Thames/Coromandel District during times of need.

Our Vision

We are committed to helping children in our local community who are facing unexpected and challenging circumstances. Our aim is to provide Care Packages filled with essential items — a mix of new and high-quality preloved goods such as clothing, toys, toiletries, and other necessities.

Our Story

Children in Care – Te Manaaki Tamariki began with a simple act of kindness: answering a call for sock donations from Kids in Need Waikato, a charity supporting children in care and their caregivers. That first gesture led to a successful Christmas Toy Drive in the Thames Ward, supporting Te Whāriki Manawahine o Hauraki – Hauraki Women’s Refuge.

Our growing team is made up of passionate individuals with a shared belief in the power of community care. With deep local roots and a spirit of service, we’re dedicated to creating positive change for children and families across the district.

team

What began as a small initiative soon sparked a deeper commitment.

Founders Betzy (Maggie) Jury, Monika Lange, and Ngaire Gedye established Children in Care – Te Manaaki Tamariki, with Peter Revell joining as Patron. Today, we operate under the Thames Rotary Trust, working together to make a lasting impact.

A Message from Our Patron, Cr. Peter Revell

Peter Revell

“I have always been drawn to organisations which are concerned about the welfare of others, and when I was approached about becoming Patron for Children in Care I said ‘yes’ in a heartbeat.

The three founders of Children in Care have an incredible commitment to doing good, and quickly put an idea into action, to provide specific, tangible and practical support for children who, for whatever reason, are lacking some of the necessities of a normal childhood.

Established under the umbrella of the Thames Rotary Charitable Trust, Children in Care has already provided many Care Packages for children in need right around the Thames-Coromandel District since their inception in 2023. I commend this organisation for your support to enable it to contribute so positively to the lives of our future generations.”

- Cr. Peter Revell
Patron

The Need in Aotearoa

Child poverty is a serious and growing issue in Aotearoa New Zealand. Far too many tamariki go without the basics — warm clothing, proper bedding, personal care items, or a simple toy to call their own.

In today’s cost-of-living crisis, many whānau are under immense pressure, and the everyday essentials that some take for granted become out of reach for others. That’s where we step in — offering free Care Packages, no questions asked, to children and families who need them most.

Because every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and seen.

Package Examples

How to Donate

Scarf Icon Snug & Warm Appeal

Christmas tree with presents

🎄 Bringing comfort to Tamariki this winter.

Inspired by Dame Valerie Adams’ Jammie Army campaign for the Middlemore Foundation, we were moved to launch our own local initiative here in the Thames–Coromandel.

No child should have to face Aotearoa’s cold winters without the basics — a warm pair of pyjamas, a cosy blanket or sleeping bag, thick socks, or even a hot water bottle.

These simple comforts, so often taken for granted, make a real difference. Keeping warm doesn’t just provide physical comfort — it strengthens immunity and reduces the risk of illness, helping tamariki stay healthy through the colder months.

With winter fast approaching, we’re getting a head start to ensure donations reach local families before the real chill sets in.

We’re incredibly grateful to have the support of Coromandel CFM and Goldfields Shopping Centre as we work to collect as many warm, winter essentials as possible.

How You Can Help

Starting Monday, 3rd March, you can donate new or gently used winter essentials in good condition at any of the following drop-off points:

  • All Libraries in the Coromandel
  • Coromandel CFM offices – Thames and Whitianga
  • Goldfields Shopping Centre, Thames (by appointment only)
🔔 The appeal has been extended and will run throughout the winter season — so please consider donating and help us get these essentials to tamariki who need them most.
How to Donate