Thank you, New Zealand, together we’ve given more Kiwi kids a place to dream.

We’ve been working with Variety – the Children’s Charity since November 2021 to help more children and young people in New Zealand thrive. Every night, thousands of Kiwi kids go to sleep without a bed of their own or adequate bedding, and the number of children with preventable respiratory-related illnesses is increasing.

As the lead partner of Variety’s Beds for Kids Programme, we’re committed to help. Our Dream Beds initiative was designed to build awareness for the amazing work Variety does and raise money to provide beds and bedding for tamariki who need them most.

A place to dream

We asked children from around New Zealand to describe their idea of a dream bed and brought to life eight of the designs. These unique Dream Beds were auctioned on Trade Me, with Tomi’s castle bed capturing the imagination of parents and children alike. Tomi believed people should bid on her bed because it’s where dreams can come true, and now, thanks to her inspired design, more children can dream big in a bed of their own.

Thanks to your generous bidding and donations, together we’ve raised over $17,000 in total, providing 51 Kiwi kids with a bed of their own. All proceeds went directly to Variety, who works with the Ministry of Health through the Healthy Homes Initiatives to deliver brand new mattresses, bedframes and bedding to children across the country.

“Thanks to everyone who has supported the campaign. Your generosity means a lot to us. With your donations, we will continue help to the children in our poorest communities have a good night’s sleep in a healthy environment.” says Susan Glasgow, Chief Executive Officer of Variety.

We’ve only just begun

Our auctions may have ended, but our work with Variety isn’t done. Through our partnership, we’re committed to helping change the lives of the one in five Kiwi kids who go without the basics every day in New Zealand.

“Our ongoing relationship with Variety will help us make a real difference to the lives of children living in poverty in New Zealand,” says Melodie Vickars, Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications. “A good night’s sleep in a bed of their own can set a child up for success. As lead partner of the Beds for Kids Programme, we want to help ensure more children have a warm place to dream at night. We’re looking forward to working with Variety in the future to help more children and young people enjoy a happy, healthy childhood.”

If you too would like to get involved and support children in need, you can still make donations to Variety’s Beds for Kids Programme.