Grant Applications From Christchurch To Auckland

Variety Bash Calls For Grant Applications From Christchurch To Auckland

Do you know a sick, disabled or disadvantaged child who needs assistance to reach their full potential? Variety – The Children’s Charity might be able to help.

Variety is calling for grant applications from families and child-related organisations and individuals to be distributed during its 20th anniversary Variety Bash.

A convoy of over 70 quirky vehicles and “Bashers” will start their journey in Christchurch on March 6 before making their way to Auckland during the week-long Bash.

Travelling from March 6 – 14, the Variety Bash will include stops in Christchurch, Hanmer Springs, Westport, Nelson, Farewell Spit, Takaka, Marlborough Sounds, Blenheim, Picton, Wellington, Masterton, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Tongariro, Cambridge and Auckland

Variety Bash Operations Manager, Adam Leslie, says that the Bash mission is to distribute grants to, and raise money for, Kiwi kids in need, as well as bring magic and fun to the schools and communities it visits.

“We urge families, schools and child welfare organisations from the areas we will visit, and surrounding districts, to get their grant applications to the Variety office before 31 December 2009, to be considered for presentation during the 2010 Bash visit”, says Adam.

Applications are considered by Variety’s Grants Committee and funds are granted to those projects the committee considers will make a tangible difference to improving the quality of life of sick, disabled and disadvantaged New Zealand children aged up to 18 years. Since its inception in New Zealand in 1989, Variety has distributed over $11.4 million to Kiwi kids in need.

An example of items that may be considered for funding include individual children’s needs such as specialised bikes and trikes, insulin pumps, specialised/educational toys & equipment, or funding for an organisational need such as educational resources, medical equipment, sports/play/art and cultural equipment, or customised equipment for children with special needs.

Other Variety programmes include; Sunshine Coaches, which transport children to schools, therapy and community items; Variety Liberty Swings - specialised swings for children in wheelchairs;
Friendship Seats - to promote friendship and cooperative play in primary schools; and wheelchairs and specialised bikes and trikes as part of its “Kids on the Move” mobility programme.

Applications need to be received by 31 December at the latest. For more information on how to apply and an application form, go to the Variety website www.variety.org.nz or phone Variety office manager, Heather Stevens 09 520 4111.

Launched from the HMNZS Canterbury, the 2009 Variety Bash travelled 1200kms from Auckland to New Plymouth via the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau, distributing 22 grants including a Liberty Swing and raising over $280,000.

“We also urge local businesses, schools and organisations to get involved of the spirit of the Bash by hosting Variety collection boxes to help us raise funds during our 20th anniversary celebration,” continued Adam.

For more information on fundraising opportunities or participating in the 2010 Variety Bash please contact Adam Leslie on 09- 522-3742, email adam@variety.org.nz or go to www.variety.org.nz

To make an online donation to Variety please go to www.variety.org.nz or post a cheque to Variety-The Children’s Charity, PO Box 17 276 Greenlane, Auckland 1546.

Photo caption - Grant recipient Byron Hill is delighted with his new specialised trike, an example of one of the many items which Variety funds.

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