The iconic KidsCan Christmas Cracker Appeal is in its tenth year and is a crucial nationwide fundraiser for the children's charity.

With five weeks to go until Christmas, the annual appeal has kicked off right around the country once again and is a great way to give back this festive season.

Funds raised will help provide on-going assistance to thousands of disadvantaged Kiwi kids in the 598 low decile schools supported by KidsCan throughout New Zealand.

KidsCan believes that all children should have the basics such as food, adequate clothing and basic healthcare, so they have an equal chance at a good education.

KidsCan CEO and co-founder Julie Chapman hopes New Zealanders will get involved in this important appeal.

'We have a pool of 2,500 prizes, including a family spa pool from Vortex Spas, and a trip for four to Hawaii thanks to the Flight Centre Foundation,” she says.

'It's fantastic to have Countdown on board again this year selling the crackers, along with Harvey Norman, Toyworld, Smith & Caughey's, The Coffee Club, Citta Design & New Balance outlet stores.”

This year Countdown supermarkets will have 50,000 crackers available for purchase nationwide.

Countdown's General Manager Corporate Affairs James Walker says the supermarket is happy to get behind such a great cause.

'Over the past three years sales from crackers at Countdown have raised more than $260,000, and we're aiming to help raise another $100,000 for KidsCan this year. It's an easy way to support a great cause this Christmas.”

The Christmas Crackers are available for purchase nationwide for just $2 each. Find out more about the appeal here: www.kidscan.org.nz/christmascracker