Last year, one in ten Kiwi kids faced a harsh winter without basic essentials, including warm clothing. Middlemore Foundation and Standard Issue are on a mission to warm up winter for the most vulnerable tamariki. They have donated over 2,000 jumpers, but the mahi still needs to be done. Their goal this year is to get up to 3,000 jumpers donated.
For every Standard Issue jumper purchased online or in-store for the last three years, woollen jumpers have been distributed by the Middlemore Foundation to those in need. Jumpers can also be gifted separately for $30, and Standard Issue will knit and gift on your behalf.
Featuring inspiring Kiwis and friends of Standard Issue, such as Al Brown, Jess B, Shaneel Lal, Tegan Yowarth, Dom Bowden, Esther Cronin, Hannah Barrett, Grace Ko and Ash Williams, this year's campaign spreads awareness of this beautiful initiative.
Flava Presenter, Mariner Fagaiava, was heartbroken to find that one in four Pacific children live in poverty. Celebrity Chef, Al Brown, said that the two necessities for all tamariki in Aotearoa have food in their stomach and warm, dry clothes to wear.
Winter makes people more prone to sickness, and being able to keep warm is part of preventing that, which is why Young New Zealander of the Year, Shaneel Lal, proudly supports Jumper for Jumper to ensure that kids do not go without bare essentials in the cold months.
Television personality Dom Bowden also commented that it can be overwhelming to think about our contribution to society and that being a part of this initiative helps do great things for the community.
"The families must choose between food on the table or new clothing and footwear for children. Due to Covid-19, the floods, and the high cost of living, it has been tough for families," said Lyle Smith, Community Relationship Coordinator at Middlemore Foundation.
"Many families are given hand-me-down clothing from their older siblings to help save money for other essential items."
