Children in Care Thames – Te Manaaki Tamariki
Born from a simple callout for sock donations, Children in Care – Te Manaaki Tamariki is a grassroots initiative supporting vulnerable tamariki (children) across the Thames/Coromandel District.
Founded by Betzy (Maggie) Jury, Monika Lange, and Ngaire Gedye, and now operating under the Thames Rotary Charitable Trust with Cr Peter Revell as Patron, the charity provides free Care Packages filled with clothing, toys, toiletries and essentials to children aged 0–10 (though older kids aren’t excluded). Many items are donated or gently used, while some – like socks and underwear – are purchased new when needed.
Behind it all is a dedicated team of volunteers driven by compassion and community spirit. They respond to real needs – no red tape, just kindness in action.
How you can help
Children in Care welcomes donations of new or preloved clothes and toys, as well as financial support for items they can’t source through the community. Volunteers are always needed too!
Never forget that even small acts of generosity can have a huge impact on someone’s life!
To support or connect:
[email protected]
027 426 4772 (written messages preferred)
Words by Monika Lange
