Rotorua's Westbrook School gifted more than 600 jackets by KidsCan

Emily Holtzhausen, 8, (left) Nicky Logan, 9, Jayden Pearson, 9, Austin Mitchell, 6, Olivia Mihaka, 6, and Ashleigh Zander, 10 don their new jackets. Photo / Stephen Parker

You could be forgiven for thinking Westbrook School has a new school uniform.

The more than 600 pupils at the Rotorua school regularly run around in Warriors-emblazoned raincoats. It's the result of every child in the school being gifted a jacket by the charity KidsCan.

The school's associate principal, Rachel Weinberg, said the teachers were overwhelmed by the support from KidsCan.

The charity works with low-decile schools and as well as providing every child with a jacket, it had given out 160 pairs of new shoes and socks and provided breakfast and lunch for those who needed it.

"For us teachers we've been overwhelmed by the support. We are so grateful our kids now have something warm to wear and are fed," Weinberg said.

"It removes another barrier to learning ... They can come to school rain, hail or shine.

"The day we gave them out they were so excited. It was like Christmas."

Pupil Ashleigh Zander, 10, said all her school friends wore their jackets.

"It's kind of like a uniform."

Ashleigh said she was happy with the shoes and jackets but the way the charity also gave food was "really generous".

Nicky Logan, 9, said he loved the jacket because it helped him feel warm on cold days.

"We have lots of fun in them."

Weinberg said the school would remain a KidsCan school for up to five years and any new pupils would also get a jacket. They would also be replaced as needed when the children grew.

"Some classes have written thank you cards and letters to KidsCan to say how happy we are. We will probably arrange a fundraiser next term."

Those who get food from KidsCan for lunch generally received sandwiches, muesli bars and fruit.

"We've always as teachers provided kids with food, now we're not having to out of our own pockets," Weinberg said.

To find out more about KidsCan or to donate go to kidscan.org.nz.

KidsCan nationwide statistics
- More than 24 million food items provided
- More than 161,000 shoes
- More than 336,000 raincoats
- More than 322,000 socks
- More than 177,000 children with access to the programmes
- More than 621,000 health and hygiene items distributed since 2005
- There are 732 schools receiving KidsCan support, including more than 20 in Rotorua