On a typically cold and rainy Autumn day, 300 children and their carers braved the weather to enjoy an exciting day at the footy and it was made extra special by a gutsy North Melbourne win against Melbourne.

Kids from Variety, Camp Quality, Mirabel, The CREATE Foundation, The Royal Children's Hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters visited Etihad Stadium on Saturday and the LeasePlan marquee welcomed plenty of special guests, including up-and-comers Ryan Bastinac, Ayden Kennedy and North Melbourne mascot Kanga.

The players were kept busy, signing plenty of autographs and posing for photos, as well as joining in a handball competition.

Hot pies and cool drinks were a hit, while the kids also walked away with a showbag full of goodies before finding their seats for what turned out to be a terrific game of footy.

LeasePlan and North Melbourne will present four Carn the Kids events at North Melbourne matches during season 2011, with the clash against the Demons the first in Melbourne this year.

LeasePlan's Carn the Kids has been giving fun days out to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity since 2003 and this year Jack Ziebell is North Melbourne’s official Carn the Kids Ambassador.

For any further information on this great partnership and the fantastic community work LeasePlan does, please visit www.leaseplan.com.au