Making dreams come true for Otago children since 1987

All-expenses-paid trips, medical support and 24/7 volunteer caregivers — creating lifelong memories.

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About Koru Care Otago

Since 1987, Koru Care Otago has taken small groups of children living with serious or lifelong conditions on fully funded trips to the Gold Coast — providing medical support and two-to-one volunteer caregiving. We believe in the power of experiences and the smiles they bring.

Years Running

Kids Helped

Volunteers

How You Can Help

We rely on the community to keep this experience alive. There are multiple ways to get involved.

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Donate

Every dollar helps fund flights, accommodation and specialised medical care while on the trip.

Donate

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Sponsor

Partner with us as a corporate sponsor — help underwrite an entire trip and make a huge impact.

Partner

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Volunteer

We always need caring volunteers to help provide 24/7 support and companionship for the kids.

Learn More

Nominate a Child

Know a child who would benefit from this life-changing experience? Tell us about them and we will be in touch.

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Why Koru Care?

Fully Funded Trips Medical Support 2:1 Volunteer Care Lifelong Memories

We pair medical oversight with meaningful experiences. Our committee and volunteers work alongside families to make sure every child is safe, supported, and has the time of their life.

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What People Say

" What I enjoyed most about the trip was seeing Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in the parade at Movie World... If I had to describe the trip in three words, awesome, fun, exciting. "
— Polly / Koru Care Kid

" The trip helped me become more independent, grow in confidence and allowed me to meet some amazing people...
My hope is to pass on the same joy, courage, and sense of possibility. "
— Tara / Koru Care Kid / Board Member

" I would definitely tell someone to go for it and apply. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity because you usually never get the chance to do something awesome like this."
— Paige / Koru Care Kid

" What an awesome bunch who gave our children the best time of there lifes and made our children get to do things they wouldnt get to do. We appreciate everything you do for the children x "
— Nikki / Parent

" A massive thank you to all the sponsors and an even bigger thank you to all cares for taking our babies on this once in a life time experience we appreciate you all so much words cant express how much this means to us "
— Lucy / Parent

" Thank you to koru care and the awesome leaders taking such great care of our children. It's a big thing sending them so far away especially after caring for them when so unwell but this was so important for them and us "
— Christine / Parent