KidsCan Launches 24-hour Handball Challenge For Kiwi Kids In Need

Right now, 157,000 Kiwi kids are living in material hardship - going without essentials like food, warm clothing, and shoes. Some arrive at school hungry. Others stay home because they don’t have what they need to face the day.

This October, KidsCan is rallying the nation to change that, with a goal to raise vital funds through KidsCanBall to give 10,000 children the essentials they need to thrive.

KidsCan ambassador Jordan Watson (How to DAD) and Jono, Ben and Megan from The Hits are leading the charge, with a non-stop 24-hour handball-a-thon at Eden Park on 30–31 October.

Across the country, schools, community groups and individuals have been getting behind the cause - playing handball, running events and fundraising to help children in need.

KidsCan Founder and CEO Julie Chapman says KidsCanBall is about rallying together to give kids a fair start.

"It’s heartbreaking that in 2025 we’re still hearing from schools that children are arriving hungry or without warm clothing. Material hardship isn’t abstract - it’s kids missing meals, hiding empty school bags, or staying home because they have no shoes that fit.

What gives me hope is seeing New Zealanders step up through KidsCanBall to change that. Every dollar raised helps a child feel included, confident and ready to learn. We’re so thankful to Jordan, Jono, Ben, and Megan from The Hits for taking on this incredible challenge to help kids doing it tough," Chapman says.

Phil Muir, Principal of Northcote Intermediate, says their school community includes many families doing it tough.

“KidsCan gives us the essentials we need to keep our young people going. Our breakfast club runs every day, feeding so many students, and those without lunches can make something later - it means they’ve got food in their tummies and the energy to learn.

Without that support, many of our kids would really struggle. Some families simply can’t afford clothes, so having KidsCan provide jackets and shoes means children can come to school safe, warm, and without feeling different. It protects their wellbeing and their dignity. We’re so grateful for KidsCan and the life-changing difference they make,” Muir says.

Jono Pryor, The Hits Breakfast Host, says last year’s KidsCanBall was wild, and pretty exhausting, but seeing the impact it had made every minute worth it.

“This year, we’re going bigger, louder, and sweatier at Eden Park - all for an incredible cause and to help more Kiwi kids thrive,” Pryor says.

This year, KidsCan will provide over 5.6 million food items, 70,000 raincoats and 55,000 pairs of shoes, along with health items for children in over 1,400 schools and early childhood education centres throughout New Zealand. In addition, KidsCan provides 70,000 healthy lunches weekly to over 500 early childhood centres.

The 24-hour handball-a-thon at Eden Park kicks off at 8am on Wednesday 30 October and runs until 8am on Thursday 31 October.

How to get involved:
Visit www.kidscanball.org.nz to donate and learn more.

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