NZ Dad Makes Calendar To Help Sick Kiwi Kids

NZ Dad Makes Calendar To Help Sick Kiwi Kids

Media release

While New Zealanders often hang photos of famous faces on their walls, Roger Slater's Classic Kiwi Kids 2004 Calendar is full of youngsters whose big names are helping sick Kiwi kids and their families.

The children who feature in this first--release calendar are putting their famous names, including James Dean, Rachael Hunter, James Cook and Alice Cooper, to good use as calendar sales will go towards assisting Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) support children and families in New Zealand.

As a professional photographer, Roger worked to capture the spirit of these twelve children in ways also portraying the spirit of their namesakes. There are also a couple of special appearances by the famous name--holders themselves -- Sean Fitzpatrick and Michael Jones.

Roger undertook this project not only as a photographer but as a parent who has experienced the support of Ronald McDonald House Charities. His daughter Terri was diagnosed with a brain tumour a few years ago and, while in America for an operation, the family stayed at a Ronald McDonald House.

"Like Ronald McDonald Houses, the calendar is completely focused on kids and their families. Our family's experience in a House prompted me to ensure all profits from calendar sales go to Ronald McDonald House Charities," says Roger.

Louis Armstrong (3) tries playing the trumpet for a worthy cause

"The truth and passion with which kids live life astounds me. Even when faced with terrible illness they maintain these qualities, and having family nearby gives them further strength. I know Terri loved having family so close to her."

Established in 1989, Ronald McDonald House Charities is a child--focused charity that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of New Zealand children by initiating and supporting a range of programmes, including Ronald McDonald Houses.

Ronald McDonald House Charities executive director, Sarah Hood, says the Charity is proud to be associated with Roger's project.

"The calendar is such a wonderful and unique initiative. It's also such a worthwhile project as the proceeds will help so many children. We're grateful to be in a position of ensuring calendar sales will make a difference in families' lives," says Sarah.

Shaun FitzPatrick (13) gets to know his namesake at Eden Park

Like every child, the kids in the calendar have aspirations and hopes for the future -- some completely different from those of their famous namesakes. They each have their own story to share, and some of their families have needed help from RMHC in the past.

Roger views his project as a special way in which Terri can help other children and their families. He says even though Terri was only here for a short time, she touched many people, and this calendar is dedicated to her.

The Classic Kiwi Kids 2004 Calendar can be purchased from Paper Plus stores nationwide now, or by phoning 0800 OUR KIDS.

--ends--

© Scoop Media