By Kerry MacKereth
A charity consisting entirely of secondary and tertiary students, has raised over $7000 for paediatric wards and children’s hospitals across Auckland.
The charity, Twinkle Child, has also provided over 700 volunteer hours to local hospitals, and helped to host children’s events such as Christmas parties and festivals.
William Zhang, the founder of Twinkle Child, says the foundation offers an opportunity for students to help out.
“The Twinkle Child Foundation was born under the principle ‘for young people, by young people’,” he says.
“Our vision is to make a difference for children and infants in healthcare facilities by combining the collective efforts of students around New Zealand.
“So far we've proved that the sum is greater than its parts. We've achieved more together than we could have individually, and we're still constantly growing and expanding to have an even bigger impact in the lives of even more New Zealand children.”
Recent work by Twinkle child has included fundraising for the paediatric ward in Christchurch hospital, and providing Middlemore Hospital’s Neonatal unit with a $2500 blue light bilimeter for premature babies.
Student run charities have gained popularity in the United States, and now the youth of New Zealand are rapidly gaining interest in having their voices heard. Secondary school students have responded with enthusiasm to the charity’s cause.
Jordyn Caldwell, a Year 12 student at Diocesan School for Girls, relates to the charity’s vision
“I joined Twinkle Child because child cancer is close to home. My neighbour, who is now 7, was diagnosed at 4 with leukemia and is now in remission.
“I joined so I could help other children like him overcome child cancer,” she says.
Other students shared her passion for the organization and the work it does in the community. The charity is growing quickly, with Twinkle Child branches existing in seven different schools in the Auckland region.
For more information visit www.twinkle.org.nz
Kerry Makereth is working with UNICEF as part of the 3Youth project, an upcoming section of the 3 News website focusing on social issues and written by young people.