Variety manages the funds on behalf of your sponsored child’s family to ensure that, where possible, the money goes straight to the provider (like the school) and is tailored to whatever it is that the child really needs.

The majority (75%) of your sponsorship donations are used to fund the essentials and opportunities your sponsored child needs to thrive. The remaining amount is used to help them in other ways.

This may include working with your sponsored child’s family to assess their needs, directing the funding to the goods or service providers, and enabling the exchange of messages between your sponsored child and you.

A small portion helps keep the programme running, meeting your needs as a donor, and working with schools and community groups to refer other children in need.

Young people in need can reapply for Kiwi Kid Sponsorship until they turn 18. If they leave the programme because of their age, or if their circumstances improve, we will connect you with another child to sponsor.

While we'd love you to remain a sponsor for as long as possible, we understand that if your financial situation changes you may need to end your sponsorship. Please get in touch with us as soon as possible to let us know.

We work with schools and social services agencies who refer children who are living in material hardship. Parents/caregivers are required to complete an application (including statement of income) and agree to our code of conduct.

We review each application individually, and once a year thereafter, the child’s caregiver must complete a renewal form to secure the next year’s funding. This process allows us to assess whether the child is still in need.

Each year, when the child’s sponsorship is renewed, we’ll send you an updated picture and a note about the difference you’ve made for them. 

We send you an update on how your sponsorship is helping each year.

We also encourage the children to write to you at other times. However, this isn’t always possible. Some children/families are unable to communicate due to the extreme circumstances they live in, or due to language or literacy issues.

We do know from working with the families, that the kids whose caregivers are not able to help them write back are often the ones most in need, and most appreciative of the generous support of their sponsor. When we do receive a message, we will pass it on to you.

Yes! The easiest way is through your Variety sponsorship account online. You can also send a letter or card through the post.

To respect the child's privacy and yours, all communication is made through Variety. Please refrain from mentioning identifiable details such as your surname, workplace or school.

Yes. We’ll send you a reminder of their birthday, and during the festive season. You’ll have the opportunity to send a greeting, as well as a gift card from The Warehouse and/or a grocery gift card, so they can share a special meal with their family. You can make a gift through your Variety sponsorship page on our website.