Variety - the Children’s Charity NSW & ACT

We are thrilled to announce that Spin 4 Kids Sydney raised an incredible $103,604 across two high-energy days, all in support of kids in need. ❤️🚲

A big thank you to everyone involved who helped make the day a success. 🫶

For Thursday's Spin 4 Kids KPMG, a big congratulations must go to the Kings and Queens of Spin Team TS Wheels and Deals for smashing out an exhilarating 210km! A special thank you to our Top Fundraising Team TS Wheels and Deals who raised $10,551 and Top Fundraising Individual Oscar May who raised $1,256.

On Friday's Spin 4 Kids Sydney, the Kings and Queens of Spin cycled an epic 290km! Well done to Team You Spin Me Right Round for taking home that trophy. And once again, thank you to our Top Fundraising Team Shore Hire who raised $13,501 and Top Fundraising Individual Mat Saunders who raised $3,425.

We couldn’t have completed the event without the fantastic support from Presenting Partners KPMG Australia, as well our generous sponsors Australian Sports Nutrition and Fitness First Australia Platinum Bond St, Charisma Belle for keeping the energy high and, of course, our fabulous emcee Mike Wilkins.

Meet Amelia, a 12-year-old triple threat and a 2023 Variety Heart Scholarship recipient. ❤️

Amelia's mom, Emily, shares, "As a young girl who has always struggled academically given her diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD, it is wonderful to see how much dancing and singing has helped to build her confidence."

But Amelia's journey hasn't been easy. In recent years, her family faced the devastating impacts of the rental crisis and floods on the NSW north coast.

"Amelia's dance and singing classes were her strength and stability during some of our toughest times. At the end of 2021, we were evicted from our home and forced to move into a van. We lived through torrential rain, floods and some horrible conditions where we lost a lot of our belongings due to mould," said Emily.⁣

"The Variety Heart Scholarship means the world to us! It will mean Amelia can travel to attend drama workshops in Newcastle or maybe even audition for theatre productions in Port Macquarie – things we just could not afford otherwise.⁣"
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"As a mum, I want to give my girls the world but there are some things that are just way out of my reach. I am so grateful to Variety for giving Amelia a chance not only to achieve her goals, but to do what makes her happy – what an incredible gift to give a child."⁣

Find out more about the different ways that we support children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage and living with disability: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/how-we-help-2/

Taya is a fun, creative and gentle girl who was born with muscular dystrophy, a progressive and degenerative muscle condition which means she uses a wheelchair to get around. Her old wheelchair held her back, limiting her ability to get up stairs and fit through doors.

This made daily life even more difficult. Taya's family found themselves beginning to withdraw and not participate in everyday activities as everything became too hard.

"We applied for the Variety We Move Grant after being told about it from Taya's support coordinator and the process was easy. The new wheelchair has changed Taya's life — it's changed our whole family's life!"

Do you know a young person who would benefit from specialised mobility equipment? Find out how our We Move Grant can help: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/we-move-grant/

Our Mini Postie Bike Dash is back in September, hitting the road for another unforgettable adventure! 🏍️❤️

If you've always dreamed of joining the Variety Postie Bike Dash, now's your chance to get a taste of what to expect! Join our Mini Postie Bike Dash and become a Variety Dasher – a true champion for kids in need. 🏆

This weekend adventure takes you offroad with like-minded Postie enthusiasts. But be prepared for some dirt and gravel! You’ll need a Honda CT110 or Honda NBC110 including the presentation of the rear rack, mudguards and engine crash plate, and entrants must be over the age of 18 years.

What are you waiting for? Find out everything you need to know, including how to sign up, here: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/variety-mini-dash-2024

You might have heard something big happened at Variety last week ... The 40th Anniversary of the Variety B to B Bash!!!

Thanks to our passionate Bashers, and generous supporters and sponsors, the 2024 Variety B to B Bash raised an enormous $1,400,350 to support kids in need!

The funds raised will be able to support 74,000 students to attend a Just Like You workshop, 233 top-of-the range suction wigs for children living with medical hair loss, 47 electric wheelchairs for children who need them, or 6 22-seater Variety Sunshine Coaches. Together we have made a difference in so many kids lives, helping to ensure that all children living in Australia have access to the same opportunities in life.

A heartfelt thank you to every single person who made the 2024 Variety B to B Bash a success. We couldn't have done it without you.

Do you want to get in on the action next year? Register your interest for the 2025 Variety B to B Bash here: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/btobbash24?lightbox=/event/btobbash24/register-interest

Our 2024 Variety B to B Bash has just wrapped up and we'd like to shine a light on all the beautiful schools that warmly welcomed us into their communities. 🚗❤️ Thank you for bringing us into your days, and allowing our Bashers to witness the joy that radiates from your schools. ☀️

Together we were able to help hundreds of kids living in regional communities throughout New South Wales and Queensland by delivering much needed grants to help improve students' wellbeing, safety, while forming enriched learning environments.

If you're interested in joining the 2025 Variety B to B Bash and seeing first-hand the ways that Variety helps regional communities, register your interest here: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/btobbash24?lightbox=/event/btobbash24/register-interest

📸: ZOOM Productions

Joshua is a passionate gymnast, a car lover/aspiring Variety Basher and a 2023 Variety Heart Scholarship recipient. We want to share his story about how the scholarship has helped lead him to incredible success on the Australian gymnastics stage. 🤸❤️

Variety Heart Scholarships support kids with a demonstrated talent who are living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship, to help pursue their dreams in sports or the arts.

“My name’s Josh. I am in Year 9, and in my spare time. I like riding dirt bikes and refurbishing our old Toyota Hilux which my family hopes to use in the Variety bash in a few years’ time.

One day my mum was in the kitchen cooking dinner, I was 3 at the time and I said, 'Mum look at me,' she turned around and saw me in the splits.

The Variety Heart Scholarship will help fund my gymnastics training as I live two and a half hours away from the NSW High Performance Centre and more than an hour from my home club where I train 5 - 6 times a week.

It will also help relieve financial pressure on my family and allow them to enjoy the journey a little bit more with me. My family have supported me every step of the way from injury to podium, they are always there.”

Find out more about the ways that we support kids in need: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/how-we-help-2/

Are you a Mudgee local? Join us at the finish line of our biggest and best Variety B to B Bash to date! ❤️

From 11.30am until 12.30pm on Thursday 22 August, the brilliant Bash cars and colourful characters will be crossing the finish line of their 12 day adventure spreading joy through the Australian outback. 🚗🏁🦘 Help us celebrate the amazing journey of our 2024 Variety B to B Bashers who have worked hard to fundraise an enormous amount to support kids in need. 🎉

What: 2024 Variety B to B Bash Finish Line
When: 11.30am-12.30pm, Thursday 22 August 2024
Where: AREC Mudgee

On last year's 2023 Variety B to B Bash, Leonora District High School received a grant of $8,072 for a Mindflight virtual reality system and accessories and a range of books, sports equipment and clothing items.

Margaret Butterwood, school principal, said "This technology will provide students with a wide variety of education opportunities through the technology's educational programs."

"The students are going to be able to learn about a country by actually visiting the place. It allows them to walk through the museums and see great works of arts."

"These are things that we would never be able to provide, but now our students can have this experience."

The 2024 Variety B to B Bash kicked off onSunday 11 August. We are posting daily updates on Variety Motoring NSW & ACT with information about our epic adventure and the vital grants delivered along the way.

The 2024 40th Anniversary Variety B to B Bash has well and truly begun with some fantastic images coming in from Day 1. 🚗🏁 Over 250 Bashers started their enormous journey on Wiradjuri Country, driving a total of 526km on Day 1 – from Dubbo, through Coonamble, before finishing their day in Bourke.

On Day 1 we were lucky enough to stop at Coonamble Public School on Wailwan land. Coonamble Public School has over 90% of its students identifying as Aboriginal and teaches local Aboriginal culture and Gamilaaray language in every P-6 classroom. The school prides itself on a classroom environment of mutual respect and acknowledgement. ❤️

We granted Coonamble Public School $6,100 for outdoor musical instruments, including a drum and a glockenspiel. 🎼🥁 This will benefit the students through creative and imaginative play.

One day down, eleven more to go! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of the 2024 Variety B to B Bash, head to our Variety Motoring NSW & ACT page for daily updates.

If you're already daydreaming about the next Bash, register your interest for 2025 now: https://bit.ly/4fHXppC

📸: ZOOM Productions

Dubbo, you were AMAZING! ❤️ Huge thanks to all the incredible families who joined us for the Variety Family Fun Day. We loved meeting you all. 🥰 Our Bashers are ready to hit the road tomorrow! Join us at the Start Arch at Taronga Western Plains Zoo from 7am to cheer them on as they embark on their 12-day adventure. Bash cars roll out at 8:30am - we'd love to see you there. 🚗💨

📸 Peter Bury Photography

Variety's Family Fun Day in Dubbo is on TOMORROW, Saturday 10 August! 📢 Help us celebrate the beginning of our 2024 Variety B to B Bash with an event for the whole family. 🎉

There will be live entertainment, roving characters and fun activities for the whole family. Relax in the quiet space, grab a bite from delicious food stalls and see some of our legendary Bash cars.

Purchase a wristband for $5 to access exciting activities including face painting, amusement rides and balloon sculpting.
No registration is needed — just show up and be ready to join in on the fun! ❤️🚗

What: Variety Family Fun Day
When: 12pm-3pm, Saturday 10th August
Where: Victoria Park, Dubbo

Find out more: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/event/variety-family-fun-day/

Mikey is a happy kid who loves the outdoors. ☀️ He attends Fernhill School which provides specialist and intensive support for students with moderate to high learning and support needs. Mikey is globally and developmentally delayed due to a rare genetic condition he was born with - so rare that the condition has no name. Mikey is only one of seven people in the world with the same condition.

Last year, Variety granted Fernhill School adaptive bikes to help students like Mikey get outside, improve physical abilities and social interactions and, of course, have fun!🚲❤️

“They give him independence,” says his mother, Tina. “Being adaptive, the bikes give him the opportunity to get out there and give him a sense of freedom, just him being able to do what other kids can do and not being left out.”

Do you know a child that could benefit from adaptive mobility equipment? Find out how Variety can help: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/get-help/

The 2025 Variety NSW Bash has officially launched! 🚗🏁 Here's your chance to do something unreal as we travel through Western NSW to Broken Hill — all while changing the lives of NSW and ACT kids.❤️

Craving an adventure that blends exploration with social impact? Get your wheels out of the garage, join in with 300 like-minded legends as you hit the road across regional and outback Australia.

Find out everything you need to know, including the route map, accommodation list and how to register: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/event/nswbash25

Ya gotta do it! 🤩

Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT has a long history of supporting kids in need. With our first Variety Sunshine Coach delivered in 1981 to St Edmunds School, we have since granted hundreds of Variety Sunshine Coaches across Australia.

☀️ Sunshine Coaches are granted to schools and community organisations that support children living with a disability, chronic illness, financial hardship or geographic isolation. The program forms part of Variety’s mission to ensure all children have the same opportunities in life.

Check out this awesome photo of a Variety Sunshine Coach delivery in September 2002 at the Factory Community Centre.

Find out more about the ways that we support kids in need: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/how-we-help-2/

Calling all kids and kids at heart! 📢 Our 2024 Variety B to B Bash is beginning in Dubbo and we're celebrating with a HUGE Family Fun Day on Saturday, 10th August. 🎉

There will be live entertainment, roving characters and fun activities for the whole family. Relax in the quiet space, grab a bite from delicious food stalls and see some of our legendary Bash cars. Purchase a wristband for $5 to access exciting activities including face painting, amusement rides and balloon sculpting.

No registration is needed — just show up and be ready to join in on the fun! ❤️🚗

What: Variety Family Fun Day
When: 12pm-3pm, Saturday 10th August
Where: Victoria Park, Dubbo

Find out more: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/event/variety-family-fun-day/

When the NDIS declined Marwan's application for a manual wheelchair, his Mum, Zeenathul, applied for a Variety We Move grant to cover the steep $17,000 cost.

“We have had to make a number of modifications to our home recently to make it safer and easier for Marwan to get around and we just couldn’t see a way to afford another large expense,” she said.

Marwan’s new manual wheelchair will make a world of difference to him, and to the family.

“The new wheelchair is easy to fold, its easily transportable and so adaptable for use in all kinds of different community settings."

Is there someone in your life who would benefit from a Variety We Move grant? Find out more: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/we-move-grant/

❤️ Have you been dreaming of a new hairstyle? It's time to chop your locks for a purpose. Join Hair with Heart!

❣️ Hair with Heart is the national fundraising and hair donation program run by Variety – the Children’s Charity. Every year, we receive over 6,000 donated ponytails from generous individuals across Australia (and sometimes, even further afield)!
💇‍♀️ The hair you donate - plus the funds you raise - all go directly towards helping kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.

👇 Click the link to find out more!
https://hairwithheart.variety.org.au/

Help us make our social media even better! ❤️🌟

At Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT, we're committed to creating engaging content that you love. To help us do that, we'd love to hear from you! Answer these quick questions and you'll be in the running to win 1 of 8 family passes to Taronga Zoo! 🦒🦁🐆🐒🐘🦦

Enter here: https://form.typeform.com/to/bFkVZV75

Competition closes 11.59pm AEST, Thursday 25 July 2024. The tickets will expire on 16 September 2024. We will accept one entry per person. Winners will be chosen at random and announced on Friday 26 July 2024. Winners will be contacted via email.

Goldie is a 9-year-old girl who loves going to school, swimming in the pool and going on walks with her parents Kelly and Matt and her three big brothers.

When Goldie was 10 months old, she was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disorder that leads to severe impairments, affecting nearly every aspect of her life - including the ability to speak, walk, eat and even breathe easily.

Through Variety's We Move grant, Goldie was thrilled to receive a Delta Recline All-Terrain buggy, allowing her to be safely and easily rolled through muddy fields to watch her brothers play sports and go on camping trips with her family – the things that bring her and her family joy.

“I’ve been in very dark places mentally and Variety has helped me out of it,” says Kelly. “Variety knows that family time is necessary; that mental health is necessary. They give us hope and remind families that people care, that there is support out there for them.”

Is there someone in your life who would benefit from a Variety We Move grant? Find out more: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/we-move-grant/

We are delighted to unveil a new partnership with our friends from Francesca Collections. Our very own Variety Awareness Bracelet!

With funds raised to support kids in need, this elegant piece is available in various metals, and will be available for purchase for the next 12 months.

Buy the Variety Awareness Bracelet for yourself or someone you love today. ❤️

https://www.francesca.com.au/products/awareness-variety-bracelet-24

Ready to conquer Sydney's iconic coastline for a cause? 🏃 Join Team Variety for the City2Surf and help raise funds to support kids in need. ❤️

Every stride you take makes a difference - from seasoned runners to weekend walkers, we welcome everyone! Follow this link to sign up: https://event.varietynsw.org.au/city2surf

Layla is an exceptional athlete with her dream set on representing Australia in the Paralympics. 🏃❤️ In 2023, Layla received a Variety Heart Scholarship, which supports kids with a demonstrated talent who are living with a disability, chronic illness or financial hardship, to help pursue their dreams in sports or the arts.

Born with a vision disability and peripheral blindness, Layla has never let her vision get in the way of pursuing her sporting dreams. She won gold at the 2023 Australian Juniors 400m and 800m and is the 800m Australian record for the T38 - cerebral palsy class.

"Variety has provided me with lots of opportunities throughout my running career, I've been able to compete around Australia and purchase the best running shoes and equipment," Layla said. "I don't know where I would be in my running journey today without Variety's support."

Head here to find out more about the different ways that we support kids in need: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/how-we-help-2/

You might have heard about the Variety Bash, but have you heard about the Variety Motoring Grants? 🚗❤️

On every motoring event our colourful Bashers, Dashers, Adventurers and Riders stop at local schools and community groups to grant vital equipment that makes a world of difference!

On the 2024 Variety 4WD Adventure, we stopped at East Gippsland Specialist School to grant bikes and repair kits that help students achieve independence, while getting outside for physical and social activity. 🚲

PE Teacher, Michael Mitchell said "The balance bikes have already helped some students progress from riding tricycles to two wheelers in just a few weeks. For some students these new bikes will contribute to their personal journey from Bike Education lessons through to attaining their Learner Driver Permits and ultimately full Driving Licences."

To learn more about our motoring events and their impact, check out Variety Motoring NSW & ACT! 💫

Lace up your runners and join Team Variety for the 2024 City2Surf! 💪❤️

We're looking for legends to join our team and conquer the iconic Sydney coastline, all while raising vital funds to support kids in need.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or a weekend warrior, there's a place for you on Team Variety!

Head here to sign up: https://event.varietynsw.org.au/city2surf

This year, thanks to your support, we granted a Variety Sunshine Coaches to Raymond Terrace Public School!

☀️ Sunshine Coaches are granted to schools and community organisations that support children living with a disability, chronic illness, financial hardship or geographic isolation. The program forms part of Variety’s mission to ensure all children have the same opportunities in life.

Raymond Terrace Public School Principal, Salena Langholz, said their coach will be a vital resource offering equitable access for their students.

“Our new Variety Sunshine Coach will allow us to create so many amazing opportunities for our students and for us to offer ‘out of the box’ learning experiences that are meaningful and authentic,” she said. “It will enable us to provide reliable transport and continue our initiative to collect students each morning and help to improve attendance."

Find out more about our Variety Sunshine Coaches here: https://www.variety.org.au/nsw/programs/sunshine-coaches/

Taya is a fun, creative and gentle girl who was born with muscular dystrophy, a progressive and degenerative muscle condition which means she uses a wheelchair to get around. Her old wheelchair had massive limitations and she always worried about it not getting up stairs or fitting through doors.

The family started to withdraw and not participate in everyday activities as it was too hard to get out with Taya's old wheelchair.

"We applied for the Variety We Move Grant after being told about it from Taya's support coordinator and the process was easy. The new wheelchair has changed Taya's life—it's changed our whole family's life!"

Stories like Taya's are why Variety exists! With your help, we can continue to support kids in need. Please consider donating this tax time: https://fundraise.varietynswact.org.au/varietytax-2024-sm

It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passing of our cherished friend, Margaret White, affectionately known as Marg. Marg served as a pillar of our organization for many years, leaving a lasting legacy of dedication and compassion.

Marg's contributions to Variety were truly remarkable. As one of our longest-standing members of the Ladies of Variety, with a distinguished tenure as President, she also served on the board. Her unwavering commitment extended to the Appeals and Sunshine Coaches committees, where her passion for our cause undeniably shaped the impact Variety has on the lives of countless children and families.

In recognition of her exceptional service, Marg received the prestigious Order of Australia at the Queen's Birthday honours. Additionally, she held the esteemed distinction of Life Member within Variety Tent 56.

Beyond her impressive contributions, Marg will be remembered for her unwavering kindness and compassionate spirit. Her presence touched countless lives, and her memory will be forever cherished by everyone who had the honour of knowing her.

In accordance with Marg's wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service. However, we encourage each of you to reflect on the positive impact Marg had on your own experience with Variety and our community as a whole.

We extend our deepest condolences to Marg's husband, David, and all those who loved her.

Rest in peace, Marg. ❤️

Kyla, a vibrant 12-year-old with a passion for dance, faced an unexpected challenge when she was diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. Just months before, Kyla had donated her own hair to Variety's Hair with Heart program, a selfless act that now resonated even deeper.

"It had taken her about three and a half years to grow her hair long enough," shared Kyla's mum, Belinda. "We were all thrilled when she finally got there."

But the joy was short-lived. Soon after, Kyla noticed a bald patch growing on her head. "It was really upsetting for me because I didn't really know how much was going to fall out," Kyla said.

As hair loss became more prominent, the need for a wig arose. Unfortunately, the cost presented another hurdle. "I was quite shocked to find out a wig was going to cost close to $5000!" Belinda exclaimed. "We just hadn't had a chance to save for those sorts of things."

Thankfully, Freedom Wigs directed Belinda to Variety and the We Care Wig Grant.

"Both Kyla and I were thrilled when the wig arrived – just in time for her Year 6 Formal," Belinda shared.

To find out more about our We Care Wig Grant and how you can help, head to the link in our bio. 💖

Hair with Heart