Making dreams come true for Otago children since 1988.
Formed in 1988, Koru Care Otago is a Charitable Trust that each year takes a group of up to 12 Otago kids aged 10-18 living with lifelong/serious illnesses, disabilities or neurodiversity on a trip of a lifetime to the Gold Coast, Australia. These trips are all expenses paid and Koru Care Otago provide medical care and 24 hour 2-1 volunteer caregivers. We are reliant on help from the community to raise the funds needed to continue to provide these amazing trips. A child's smile can turn any bad day upside down. We are committed to those smiles, changing tomorrow by helping however we can today.
We are dedicated to giving children incredible experiences that bring joy and lifelong memories.
Know a child who would benefit from our life-changing experience? Submit a nomination today.
Nominate NowYour support can change lives. There are many ways you can help us create magical memories for these children.
Donate Now" Koru Care gave my child an experience they will never forget. "
Sarah - Parent" My little man had such a blast, Ethan was his favorite "
Joe - Parent" What I enjoyed most about the trip was seeing Buggs Bunny and Daffy Duck in the parade at Movie World. My childhood came to life! I never thought I would get on a roller coaster! Most of them were awesome. If anyone is thinking about looking at applying, all I can say is give it a go, because it is worth it! Even if it is scary. If I had to describe the trip in three words, I would say awesome, fun, and exciting. "
Polly - Koru Care Kid" As an unwell 14-year-old, I was lucky enough to travel to the Gold Coast with Koru Care Otago. It was an incredible experience, so much fun, but also deeply meaningful. That trip helped me become more independent, grow in confidence and allowed me to meet some amazing people, including someone who is now one of my closest friends. 17 years later, I had the opportunity to join the Koru Care Otago committee. I wanted to give back and help create the same unforgettable experience for other children that I was fortunate enough to have. That trip sparked something in me, a passion for caring for others and a desire to make a difference. I know firsthand how life changing this opportunity can be. My hope is to pass on the same joy, courage, and sense of possibility I found all those years ago. "
Tara - Former Koru Care Kid / Committee Member" What I enjoyed the most about the trip was making new friends and going with a bunch of incredible people.
I went on all of the thrill and scary rides at the theme parks with Polly, I had a blast doing that even though I was nervous before the trill rides, going upside down on some of the rides was a bit scary like you really got to hold on.
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.
The three words I would use to descirbe this trip is Unforgettable, Breathtaking, Life Changing "
Paige - Koru Care KidHave questions? Get in touch with us!
Contact Us