Kids Outreach International

Kids Outreach International is a Christian charity and humanitarian aid organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children throughout the world. Founded in Australia in 1998, Kids Outreach International has initiated and undertaken a number of different projects, - one of them being the LOVE FOR KIDS - RUSSIA Outreach, an outreach into the former Pioneer youth camps and orphanages.


The KOI Team

Kari and Marja-Leena Lehelma
Kari is the founder of Kids Outreach International and together with his wife Marja-Leena, has been part of the Russia outreach projects for over 14 years now. Currently he spends up to three months of the year working in Russia and Europe, and then the rest of the year in Australia, co-ordinating and challenging people to attend the mission, as well as overseeing KOI operations in both Australia and New Zealand. Kari is passionate about seeing the heart of Russia transformed through the love of Christ, and seeing these young children know that they have a future and a hope, and that they are loved.


Taru Kohonen
Taru has been with KOI for over ten years, and works fulltime in the KOI office overseeing administration. Taru loves using her God given skills and abilities to be able to reach Russia.

The Board
KOI has a number of dedicated board members, who commit much time and resources into the trips and the organisation, not only this, but many of them have been part of a team and made the trip to Russia.

The Volunteers
Kids Outreach is made possible by the many dedicated volunteers around the world who continue to offer their time, resources, and love to be either involved in a trip themselves, or in equipping others to be part of a trip.

Love For Kids - Russia

Love For Kids Russia is a project of KOI, sending short term mission teams to Russia. These trips have been running for over 15 years, and over 1800 Aussies and Kiwis alone have taken up the challenge!! Together with our co-working organisations internationally over 9500 people have made the trip, reaching well over 300,000 Kids.

Our Sponsors

KOI is pleased to acknowledge the generous support of the following companies and organisations:

Custom Chemicals Pty Ltd
SOS Australia
Action Interiors link
Risetop Group link
Pinjo Holdings Pty Ltd
Irwins Inspirations
Joki Associates Pty Ltd
Masa Constructions
Interstaff Recruitment Ltd link