Demand for help from KidsCan has sky-rocketed in the last year.

The charity is urgently appealing for donations as more than 10,000 children in 260 schools await help with food, shoes and clothing.

Many don't qualify for the Government's free lunch scheme.

KidsCan Chief Executive Julie Chapman says the wait-list has grown by more than 150 schools in the last 12 months.

She says securing funding's a challenge.

"We want to make sure that we're not taking them off for a short time, that we're able to support them for as long as they need it."

LISTEN ABOVE

Demand for help from KidsCan has sky-rocketed in the last year.
The charity is urgently appealing for donations as more than 10,000 children in 260 schools await help with food, shoes and clothing.
Many don't qualify for the Government's free lunch scheme.
KidsCan Chief Executive Julie Chapman says the wait-list has grown by more than 150 schools in the last 12 months.
She says securing funding's a challenge.
"We want to make sure that we're not taking them off for a short time, that we're able to support them for as long as they need it."
LISTEN ABOVE

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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