ZENO Foundation founders Matthew and Catherine Dwan, were working out how to make a contribution to their local community that truly helped recipients and aligned with the founders’ beliefs and the change they wanted to see in the world.
They wanted maximum impact but nothing seemed to fit: either they couldn’t be certain the entire donation would be received by the recipient, if the person actually needed the products, or how many people were getting help. They soon realised they were not the only ones who felt this way about donating to large, disconnected charities. And they knew many other people who wanted to give, but in a more meaningful, connected and engaging way.
So rather than find a way, they MADE the way – a platform for donating that is easy, direct, communicative, rewarding, and most importantly, that directed 100% of all proceeds directly to children (bypassing even the parents).  Drawing from previous overseas experiences in developing countries, and from seeing the economic ‘fallout’ for communities after the Christchurch earthquakes from 2010 onwards, a charity concept began to form. A concept that would bypass parents and provide hygiene packs to the worst-affected children; who perhaps don’t have the means or opportunity to use personal hygiene products in their homes.
After many meetings with local schools where children require the most assistance, and meetings with large companies who could supply access to hygiene products … The ZENO FOUNDATION was born!