[News Release]

10.10.2008

Big Backyard Bash to help battle child poverty

Auckland, New Zealand - 17th October, 2008 - KidsCan Charitable Trust is hosting New Zealand's largest urban backyard BBQ to raise awareness for the issue of child poverty affecting 300,000 New Zealand children.

Queen Elizabeth Square, opposite Britomart, will be transformed into a typical kiwi backyard with 400m² of Readylawn, outdoor furniture, a picket fence and a kiwi barbecue to encourage New Zealanders to help the financially disadvantaged children in our own backyard.

According to UNICEF 16.3% of New Zealand children are living at poverty levels similar to those of third world countries. Dr Ian Hassel, child welfare expert and former Children's Commissioner, believes child poverty is an issue that needs immediate attention and should be at the forefront of the coming election.

Children living in poverty are more prone to infections, experience violence, have an interrupted education, and be excluded from a normal social life, says Dr Hassel. "Their life chances are likely to be limited as well as their commitment to society and their capacity to contribute to it".

CBD commuters will be able to participate in The KidsCan Big Backyard Bash from 12-3pm by playing backyard cricket with New Zealand sports personalities, enjoying a sausage sizzle and listening to great kiwi music.

Iconic kiwi musicians including Jordan Luck, Nathan King, Donald Reid will be performing during the event as well as newcomers Anna Coddington and Emily Jones.

The 'Big Backyard Bash' is part of the 'In Our Own Backyard' campaign which aims to raise awareness and support for the financially disadvantaged children in our own backyard.

KidsCan currently supports 102 low decile schools, with a key form of support coming from the 'In Our Own Backyard Club'. The club asks for $10 a month which will provide a school child with the basic necessities.

In the past three years KidsCan has been able to provide 24, 000 raincoats, 4, 000 pairs of shoes and healthy food for 8, 500 school children.

105 low decile schools are still waiting for this basic, but vital, support The In Our Own Backyard Club can be joined by visiting the website www.kidscan.org.nz which will be available at the 'Big Backyard Bash'.

ENDS

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