Jammies in June: Sacks pour in for children

Amanda Macdonald and her 3-year-old twins Daisy and Daniel, snug in their onesies, are happy to help support the Herald on Sunday's Jammies in June fundraising appeal. Photo / Michael Craig

Hooray, we're halfway!

The Herald on Sunday and the Middlemore Foundation are working together to encourage generous Kiwis to donate at least $40,000 and 10,000 pairs of pyjamas to kids in need.

The Jammies in June campaign has reached its halfway mark on the calendar and, thanks to you, on the target set.

Middlemore Foundation spokeswoman Ankita Luthra said as of Friday donations had topped $20,000 cash and 5000 pairs of pyjamas.

"Every day we get this massive sack full of pyjamas," she said.

Cash donated will be used to buy more pyjamas, as well as blankets and bed socks. So far 188 people have donated pyjamas and 109 have donated cash.

Another 63 groups, including businesses or schools, were also fundraising to help the appeal.

"That's just the ones I know about, because some don't say anything [about their fundraising work], the donation just comes in."

Cash donated during a street appeal at the start of the month was also yet to be counted, she said.

The Bachelor NZ contestant Amanda Macdonald this week joined the many playing their part in helping Kiwi kids in need.

The Mt Albert mum said her 3-year-old twins Daisy and Daniel went to bed wearing flannelette pyjamas with onesies over top.

"I know how important it is for them not to get sick and to be in warm clothes, especially in houses that aren't insulated, of which there are a lot in Auckland," she said.

The plight of less fortunate kids had got her attention, and she was already someone who gave when she could, passing on warm clothing to her neighbour's 18-month-old daughter.

She encouraged anyone who could help to also get in behind the Jammies in June Campaign.

"Definitely do it for the children."