Pyjamas to keep thousands of kids snug

Angela Iwihora has been given free winter PJs for her kids as part of a campaign run by Middlemore Hospital. Photo / Getty Images

The Herald on Sunday is today launching a campaign to provide much-needed pyjamas for some of New Zealand's most vulnerable kids.

We have teamed up with the Middlemore Foundation to support its annual Jammies in June campaign.

The initiative is in its third year and we're calling on readers to help raise a record $40,000 and 10,000 pairs of new pyjamas.

Cash donated will be used to buy more pyjamas, as well as blankets, socks and other items to keep Kiwi kids toasty this winter.

Herald on Sunday editor Miriyana Alexander urged readers to get behind the campaign.

"The foundation does a fabulous job, and I'm delighted to lend our support to this pyjama fundraiser," Alexander said.

"It's confronting to think so many Kiwi kids might be going to bed cold this winter — but that's the reality.

"Please join us to ensure thousands more can go to bed snug and warm this winter."

Among those to receive pyjamas are Jackson, 3, D'Angelo, 19 months, and Giselle Iwihora, 9, seen above with their mum Angela.

Every winter, admissions to Kidz First, at Middlemore Hospital, skyrocket, from around 320 in January to 700 in August.

Many of those admissions are for illnesses that could have been prevented if kids lived in warm, dry houses, as well as having warm pyjamas.

Pyjamas collected during Jammies in June will be given to Kidz First patients, as well as distributed by the Middlemore Foundation to families in need in South Auckland.

Jammies in June started in 2013, with 4,200 pairs of pyjamas being donated, along with $17,800 in cash.

Last year, 5,400 pair of pyjamas went to kids in need, while cash donations topped $20,000.