School children design Christmas coffee cups to raise awareness of KidsCan

The Coffee Club New Zealand and KidsCan have unveiled three new Christmas takeaway coffee cup and napkin designs designed by school children.

The children won a nationwide Christmas Cup Art Competition, which was open to children aged five to 10 years old from KidsCan supported schools. They were asked to submit a unique and eye-catching design that reflected how they felt about Christmas.

The winning images were chosen from more than 100 entries received from KidsCan supported schools. The cups and napkins will be available through all The Coffee Club New Zealand stores in December.

First place, to feature on the large takeaway cup, went to Samantha (age 10) of TKKM o Taumarere School in Kawakawa near the Bay of Islands. Her winning piece features a colourful depiction of a Christmas tree and Santa Claus.

“We would like to thank both The Coffee Club New Zealand and KidsCan for giving this opportunity to the children of New Zealand. Our students enjoyed being part of the excitement of the kaupapa,” Dino Rapana-Armstrong of TKKM o Taumarere School said.

“Samantha and her family are overwhelmed with the win and the amazing prize. We are very proud of her.”

Second place went to Angelisa (age 10) of Ramanui School in Taranaki. Her entry will be featured on the medium takeaway cup. Third place went to Sioeli (age nine) of Wymondley Road School in Otara, Auckland. His Kiwiana- inspired design will be featured on the luncheon napkins.

The aim of the competition has been to raise awareness of the work being done by KidsCan to support the education, health and wellbeing of children living in poverty.

The winning schools and children also received cash prizes. The first-placed school has received $2500 from The Coffee Club, second place received $1500, and third place $1000. The three young artists also each received a $150 voucher for a store of their choice.

KidsCan works to aid individuals, communities, businesses and the government to co-operate in providing food, clothing and basic health care in schools to enable all disadvantaged children to reach their full potential. The Coffee Club New Zealand has been involved in a number of campaigns and initiatives with KidsCan including The Big Night In Telethon back in 2009, the Mystery Envelope Appeal, Christmas Crackers, Campbell Live Lunchbox Day Appeal and KidsCan Online Auctions.

“We are thankful for the continued support of The Coffee Club New Zealand,” brand and sponsorship manager at KidsCan Suzanne Keoghan said.

“We love the interactive competitions they run, which inspire the children to be creative, as well as draw attention to the cause.”

Co-director of The Coffee Club New Zealand Brad Jacobs said they were pleased to have been able to work alongside KidsCan again to support New Zealand schools.

“The response to the competition was very encouraging. We had some great entries! Picking a winner was certainly no easy task but we are very happy with the choices we have settled on.”