Join the Variety Team for the 2009 Annual Appeal

9 February 2009
Join the Variety Team for the 2009 Variety Annual Appeal

Variety – The Children’s Charity is urging the Kiwi public to ‘Join the Variety Team’ by donating $1 for a brightly coloured silicon ring during the charity’s Annual Appeal from February 9 – February 22, 2009.

Members of the ‘Variety team’ include 2009 Annual Appeal Ambassadors Micheal Luck (Vodafone Warriors NRL player), Constable Bryan and Bobby (TV3 celebrities), Suzy Cato (children’s entertainer and radio presenter), Paralympic gold medalist Cameron Leslie, Cocksy the builder, Bill and Ben of Pulp Sport and entertainer Megan Alatini.

Funds raised during the Annual Appeal will benefit talented Kiwi kids who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged in reaching their goals in sports, music, education and the arts through the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme.

Chief Executive of Variety, Lorraine Taylor, says the Gold Heart Scholarship programme offers financial and mentoring support for talented children with special needs nationwide, with a maximum of $5,000 per year for up to three years available per recipient.

“The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme is currently assisting eighteen high-achieving New Zealand children with special needs, to reach their goals, develop their talents, improve their self-esteem and receive recognition for their achievements. Kiwis who get into the spirit of giving for the Appeal can be confident that their contributions will make a positive and significant difference to the lives of deserving New Zealand children nationwide,” says Ms Taylor.

“We are delighted to have paralympian Cameron Leslie as one of our Ambassadors this year – his gold medal performance in the 150 metres Individual Medley was in world record time, and we think he is an outstanding example of Variety’s vision to help Kiwi kids reach their full potential.”

A previous beneficiary of Variety, Cameron Leslie received a Variety grant in 2001 for a specialised quad bike to aid his mobility on the family farm.

Following the outstanding success of the 2008 Annual Appeal, Variety is once again offering the popular silicon rings for a $1 donation. The rings will be available from 9 February nationwide from Countdown stores – Countdown is once again the principal sponsor of the Annual Appeal.

“At Countdown we see ourselves as an integral part of the community and encourage support for Variety at a local level by giving shoppers an opportunity to support the cause. Last year our customers helped us raise over $60,000 for the Appeal which was a fantastic contribution. We’re thrilled to be able to help in such a practical way and anticipate that the rings will be a popular item once again this summer,” said Dave Chambers, General Manager of Supermarket Operations.

This year’s range will feature the most popular colours from 2008 and new additions such as a Kiwi-themed black and silver ring, and glow-in-the-dark and glitter varieties.

The rings are also available for a $1 donation at other participating outlets around the country including ASB, Carters, Dymocks, Farmers, Hilton Auckland, Hoyts, Pacific Blue, Reading and SKYCITY Cinemas and Video Ezy. Variety also wishes to recognise the generous contribution of AMPM, Kiwi Community Trust, the Perry Foundation, Pixel Magic, TNT Couriers and Westfield.

Donations to Variety can also be made online at www.variety.org.nz

ENDS

Editor’s Notes:

About Variety:

Variety’s vision is to help New Zealand’s sick, disabled and disadvantaged children reach their full potential. Variety was established in New Zealand in 1989 and each year approves more than 250 grants ranging from $200 to $50,000.

More information on the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme

The Variety Gold Heart scholarship will make available to each recipient a maximum of $5,000 per year for up to three years, to help fulfill his or her life goals. This could include assisting with tuition fees, personal development, coaching, the purchase of training equipment, travel or accommodation. Leading professionals and celebrities will mentor successful applicants in their chosen pursuits. Applications for 2009 Variety Gold Heart Scholarships open on 2 February and must be received by 5pm on 3 April.

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