Born in about 1972 into a middle-class family, Chapman was inspired to found KidsCan after learning of children staying away from school because they didn't have raincoats.
[1] Providing nutritious and targeted food for 10,585 financially disadvantaged children across New Zealand every school day, either as a complete meal or to supplement what they have at home.
[7] As this meant KidsCan no longer needed to provide school lunches they changed the focus of their programme to help at other times of the day.
[4][9] Providing free fleece-lined, waterproof raincoats for kids whose families, struggling to make ends meet, often relegate as a lower-priority item.
Providing thermal tops and beanies during the winter months and sunhats during summer in partnership with The Warehouse.
Over 2000 children were supported when the programme launched in Kaitaia - over 1000 basic hygiene items and 290 prescription medicines were provided.