Our Story – A Short Film about KCA
Take a few moments to explore the heart behind Kiwi Community Assistance (KCA) through our short film and learn how a small act of compassion grew into a community effort that continues to make a difference.
Our journey began after Tracy and Phil, a couple from Tawa, watched a television documentary highlighting child poverty in New Zealand. Deeply moved, they felt compelled to do something to help. They reached out to local agencies, asked friends and family for support, and used social media to gather donations of Christmas presents, food, and essential household items for families doing it tough.
The response from the community was incredibly generous. What started as a small grassroots effort quickly grew, and in July 2012 Kiwi Community Assistance was officially established as a registered charity.
Today, KCA operates as a community distribution hub. We work alongside supermarkets, farmers markets, manufacturers, hotels, and generous members of the public who donate goods. These items are then shared with charities, food banks, and community groups that support people across our region.
Our work would not be possible without our amazing volunteers. From college students and retirees to stay-at-home parents and people passionate about reducing waste, volunteers give their time each week or month to help sort, pack, and distribute donations. We also welcome corporate teams of one to six people who would like to join us for half-day or full-day volunteer experiences.
KCA is also about creativity and sustainability. Our sewing and craft groups lovingly transform donated materials into practical items such as reusable bags and warm winter clothing for those who need them most.
Today our charity is supported by three part-time staff and a dedicated team of 55 volunteers who generously contribute their time each week. Thanks to this collective effort, KCA has been able to support many organisations and families in our community.
However, with the rising cost of living, the demand for food support continues to grow. While we do everything we can to help, this increasing need means we are sometimes unable to take on new requests from community groups and agencies.
We are incredibly grateful for the kindness and support of our community. If you would like to be part of what we do—whether through volunteering, donating, or partnering with us—we would love to hear from you.
Together, we can continue to support and strengthen our community.