Humble Hoodies on a mission to help those in need

Andrew McLaren, founder and CEO of Humble, is seeing his vision of keeping kids warm and healthy come to life one hoodie at a time. Photo/Supplied

The sight of people sleeping rough on the streets and children showing up to school with no food or lacking clothing is something that stayed with Humble Hoodies founder and CEO, Andrew McLaren.

The idea of donating hoodies to children in need soon created a life of its own.

"Eighty thousand New Zealand children are living in severe poverty; too young to change their circumstance," McLaren said. "There are a lot of respiratory illnesses that are caused by overcrowded houses and cold, damp conditions and I know a hoodie is a practical way to help."

"My little nephew was born earlier this year, which was so exciting. I couldn't help but imagine what his life might look like. The thought of him, or kids like him experiencing the same hardships I saw at school was suddenly a huge deal for me."

With each Humble Hoodie purchased, another one is given to a child in need.

Since launching nine weeks ago and through partnering with Middlemore Foundation, 27 children at Kidz First Children's Hospital in Counties Manukau have benefited from the social enterprise.

The 22-year-old now works as an engineer in Auckland and hopes to help children around the country.

"I believe that people are the key and you'll get the most happiness from life if you live it selflessly. I could see that our hyper-connected generation was becoming so aware of social issues and their responsibility to make change. They just weren't connected to the problems or solutions themselves - aware, but disconnected.

"We want to help create a generation that cares more about other people than themselves; a Humble generation."

Aside from studying in Wellington, Hawke's Bay local Andrew Breen joined the team and now leads the marketing, promotion and special projects facets of Humble.

"We're trying to foster the mindset that people can make a difference and can have an influence by loving others."

For more information visit: www.humblehoodies.com or https://www.instagram.com/humblehoodiesnz/