KidsCan couple took wage from Howlett foundation

Carl Sunderland and Julie Helsen. Photo / Herald on Sunday

The couple behind KidsCan were also overseeing a former All Black's charitable foundation, and last year drew out twice as much in wages as they gave out to needy children.

Julie Helson and Carl Sunderland are trustees of the Doug Howlett Outreach Foundation, which helps disadvantaged children take part in sport.

Howlett, who now plays for Munster in Ireland, still holds the record as New Zealand's top test try-scorer.

Helson and Sunderland drew a total $39,000 in wages from the foundation last year for work on sponsorship and to administer grants.

Financial records filed with the Charities Commission show the foundation had an income of $28,000 and gave out $18,000 in grants.

After paying wages to Helson as general manager and Sunderland as administrator, and other expenses, it reported a $42,000 loss.

Speaking from Ireland yesterday, Howlett said he had not been aware of the foundation's current financial status.

"It's my own money that I've put into it to help these kids," he said. "Having been up here I haven't seen the books recently, so I'll have to have a look at it."

Helson said her role had now finished and she no longer worked for the charity.

Howlett was a founding patron of KidsCan, with All Black Ali Williams.

Accounts for a KidsCan subsidiary company, Invitation Only Events, show $62,000 was paid to the Doug Howlett Foundation in 2008 for a joint event.