[2][3][4][5] The organisation operates in all Australian states and has raised $11.88 million through fundraising activities in the 2017 financial year with net surplus totalling $39,000.

[8] The organisation was founded in New South Wales in August 1983 under the name the Malcolm Sargent Cancer Fund for Children in Australia.

It began with providing basic financial grants and practical assistance however later developed other services to support families with children that have cancer.

Redkite's purpose is to provide essential support to people diagnosed with cancer of ages 0–18 and their families with financial assistance and social services.

[12] Redkite funds oncology social workers in hospitals who provide psychosocial assessments and treatment to cancer patients and their families related to illness adjustment, coping mechanisms and discharge planning.

[14][15] Redkite claims it is the largest non-government funder of children and adolescent oncology social work in Australia.

[22] The Fremantle Dockers and Sydney Swans compete annually in a friendly match for the Redkite Cup in support of the charity.

Coles responded immediately through Twitter stating that donations are voluntary for team members and that it had removed this practise from the store.

[23] A former hockey player for the Australian national team, Kate Hubble, had pleaded guilty to defrauding Redkite after pretending to be diagnosed with cancer for financial advantage.

In early 2015, Hubble informed colleagues about her cancer diagnosis which was supported by forged medical letters from a Perth oncologist.

However, Woolworths’ managing director, Tjeerd Jegen, states cheap bread would make a "great difference to a family's budget".