The rising cost of children returning to school is falling on a lot of caregivers who are grandparents, according to children's charity Variety.
Variety chief executive Susan Glasgow told Breakfast that 5% of the charity's caregivers are grandparents.
She said staff are noticing a distinct increase in the numbers of struggling grandparents reaching out for assistance for things like beds, bedding, uniforms, medical funding and specialist equipment.
Last year, Variety paid out $3.1 million in grants compared to $2.7 million in 2022.
Recent data also shows that just one month in to 2024, the Ministry of Social Development has received more than 21,000 requests for help with school-related expenses.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Carolyn Follas said she has three grandchildren living with her at the moment and it's financially "really, really difficult".
Her husband passed away in 2022, which meant Follas went from two pensions to one, which she said was "a big shock".
Follas said she does everything to ensure her grandkids have everything they need, which can mean sometimes she goes without food.
She said she didn't want her grandkids to end up in the system and that's how they ended up living with her. "They are terrific, I would give my life for my grandchildren."
"It is really hard. Especially, one of the grandchildren is a teenager, and the school uniform is really expensive. I just went to buy a new top the other day and that was $38."
Follas said she receives financial support from Vareity, and without them she "couldn't do anything".
Demand for KidsCan support is at a six-year high as the cost-of-living bites hard into households. (Source: Breakfast)
A recent KidsCan survey revealed that 65% of schools say poverty is worsening in their communities, with 47 schools reporting students who had taken on part-time jobs or left school altogether to work.
In response, KidsCan launched an "urgent appeal" to support vulnerable children as the school year begins.
"This is always the hardest time of the year for vulnerable families as they face crippling back to school costs — but 2024 may be the toughest yet," KidsCan's boss Julie Chapman said.
"We're facing record demand with thousands of students waiting for help. Schools aren't just asking us for food and clothing — some need shampoo, soap and toothpaste. The essentials are becoming luxuries."
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