Darcy Rakete of Manurewa is the poster boy for the Jammies in June campaign. Photo / Getty Images
Darcy Rakete likes The Simpsons, soccer and, when he's at school, maths.
"Because I'm good at it," the 7-year-old says proudly when asked why numbers are his thing.
Like most kids, he really likes his Mum's iPad and when she kicks him off he quickly migrates to the computer and then his older brother's PlayStation.
Darcy also likes to help people. He's good at that, too.
The Leabank School pupil is the poster child for this year's Jammies in June fundraiser. The Herald on Sunday is working with the Middlemore Foundation to get warm pyjamas on needy kids this winter.
We want generous Kiwis to donate at least $40,000 and 10,000 pairs of pyjamas during the month-long campaign — and your response so far has been outstanding.
Foundation spokeswoman Ankita Luthra said on Friday $15,845 and 4364 pairs of pyjamas had so far been donated.
That included 500 pairs each from the Rotary clubs of Pakuranga and Ellerslie Sunrise, as well as plenty of individual donations.
"Just now I've got 25 courier packs in from all around New Zealand," Luthra said. Like generous Kiwis around the country, Darcy is doing his bit, wearing a broad smile and bright red new spider-print PJs "bought by mum Lisa especially" in the posters used to publicise the campaign.
He described the role as one where "you have to smile a lot" and pose for plenty of photos. Oh, and meet Warriors stars like Manu Vatuvei and "The Fish" - otherwise known as Glen Fisiiahi - and giggle when they call you "the man".
Darcy also knew why his mum volunteered him for the campaign — to help others less fortunate than him. That was a good feeling, too, he said.
"It makes me feel happy."
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