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.
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
“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.
