Auckland children get arty for charity

The children at one Auckland early childhood centre are preparing to wear their art on their sleeves – literally.

Natural Steps in Ellerslie are hosting their own Wearable Arts fashion show with all funds raised going directly to Cure Kids, as part of their annual Red Nose Day appeal.

Centre Director Emma Hopkinson says Cure Kids is a fitting charity for the centre.

“Being an early childhood centre, the parents probably have a bit more of an emotion towards that charity.  It means a lot to people.”

The children, aged between nine months and five years, are hard at work creating their very own outfits and Ms Hopkinson says young children don’t get  enough credit for how creative they can be.

“They are so capable.  Some of the designs the older children have done are right from designing it to creating it.  It’s all coming from their interests.”

Cure Kids chief executive Vicki Lee says it is great to see children as early as kindergarten age learning to do something for others and to fundraise for charity.

“That is just fantastic. Their efforts help us invest in their future, as we aim to invest 100 per cent of our donations into research into children’s life-threatening illnesses. So what they are doing helps us to look for ways to better treat not only their children, but their children’s grandchildren.”

With the funds raised from ticket sales and art created by the children, the centre is hoping to raise $1000 for the charity.

The art exhibition will feature artist profiles, with artwork ranging between $1 and $5 and $15 for a canvas print.

Ms Hopkinson is looking forward to the big day.

“It should be a funny show.”

Art Exhibition and Wearable Arts fashion show is on August 12, 2pm at Leicester Hall, corner of Findlay and Ramsgate Streets, Ellerslie.    Tickets cost $5 per adult (children free) and can be purchased at the door on the day or by contacting Emma.

Check out the  Cure Kids charity.