iGrowUP iphone app benefits Variety
addictive new iphone app is a must try
iGrowUP is an entertaining new app for iPhone or iPad. It costs less than the price of a cup of coffee and at the same time benefits Variety.
This fun, easy-to-use app will keep children giggling for ages. Simply tap the microphone, record your child’s voice and then make the picture bigger or smaller to make them sound older or younger (or even like chipmunks or monsters!). The result can be instantly emailed to family and friends so that they can join in the fun. You can even make funny birthday or holiday messages!
Best of all $1 from every iGrowUP app will go directly to Variety – the Children’s Charity to help children in need.
Purchase from the iTunes app store HERE
Variety Santa Fun Run
Brisbane's second annual Variety Santa Fun Run was
a great success with just under 1,000 people taking part in the festive fun run, donning their Santa suit
and ho, ho, ho-ing the
5kms from Kurilpa Point Park around the Brisbane River.
The Santa Fun Run was
held in six major cities across Australia also on
27th November which saw a total of over 7,000 Santa’s take part across the county!
A huge thank you to all who participated and made this year bigger than ever before. With thanks to all that participated, you helped raise nearly $45,000 in QLD alone and $121 756.58 nationally, to help children in need this Christmas….thank you!
We hope to see you back next year for another wonderful event. Don’t forget to the spread the word! We want this to eventually beat Portugal’s record of 14,000 Santa’s in one location!
PRIZE WINNERS in QLD:
Congrulations!!
Highest Team Fundraiser - Riley's Raindeers
Highest Individual Fundraiser - Cath and Geoff Parker
Fundriasing Prize Draw - MK Challenge; Paul Keegan
Gloria Jean's funds 5 new Variety projects!
Gloria Jean's Coffees, global foundation With Heart partnered with Variety the children’s charity for their annual Cappuccino for a
Cause campaign in October.
Saturday 29th October saw
Gloria Jean’s coffee houses all over the county get into the spirit of helping raise funds for kids in need with many decorating their stores, having staff dress up, holding
activities for kids and some even had local celebrities come along!
We are very pleased to announce that this has raised $150,000 to fund the below five specific projects for Variety! An incredible result and Variety is very grateful for Gloria Jean’s support!
- Sunshine Coach, Plumpton Education Community
- Sunshine Coach, Endeavour Sports High, Caringbah
- Sunshine Coach, Berengarra School, Box Hill
- Liberty Swing, Clifford Park Special School, Toowoomba
- Liberty Swing, Gladys Newton School, Balga
Together we can change lives, one sip at a time
10th Anniversary Gladstone Ball 'best ever'!
Monday, 7 November 2011
This year’s 10th Anniversary Variety
Gala Ball at the Gladstone Entertainment Centre has been hailed as the ‘best ever’ by Sponsors, Organisers and Ball Goers alike with over 250 people attending the Disco Fever Ball on Saturday evening.
PURCHASE YOUR PICTURES HERE!
Raising over $50,000 for Variety Queensland, this event means the charity can continue to empower the lives of children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs across Queensland.
Special guest Melissa Daniels, Principal of Rosella Park Special School spoke on the night of the wonderful support Variety Queensland has offered to the school over the past 10 years and the difference it has made their students and families.
“Being born with a disability puts you at a disadvantage before you begin. Unfortunately, the aids and supports that can minimise the gap between those with a disability and those without are costly, which simply creates another disadvantage. Variety Queensland have been instrumental in helping close that gap for many of our students by taking the financial burden away from families. Their support means our students have access to play equipment, modes of transportation and communication devices that they may have otherwise gone without. Our students’ world is now full of possibility thanks to the support and efforts of Variety Queensland.” Said Ms Daniels
Up until last Saturday, The Rotary Club of Gladstone Sunrise have raised over $360,000 for Variety Queensland from this event in 9 years. As a result Variety has had the opportunity to spend just over $370,000 on children and organisations with special needs in the region. With another $50,000 being added to that tally now from last Saturday night’s efforts.
The highlight of the evening was certainly the Entertainment with local band The Corporates entertaining during pre dinner drinks and Brisbane band Disco Mania keeping the dance floor full all night. The majority of funds raised on the night were through the Live & Silent Auctions with $10,250 being raised for a Diamond Ring donated by Neville Gregory Jewellers.
Ms Quinn said the community support of this event over the past 10 years was overwhelming and that the Gladstone region should be very proud of it’s local businesses and generous residents for their charitable spirit.
Jazmins Doggy Appeal
Wednesday 19 October 2011
10-year-old Jazmin Bromley from
Forest Lake was born with Arthrogryposis and a rare
undiagnosed muscle disorder
making many of life’s simple
day-to-day tasks such as dressing, moving and walking any distance difficult.
Having endured many medical procedures in her short 10 years of
life including surgeries that have left her spine permanently fused and unable to grow, Jazmin has a hard road in front of her. But Variety – the Children’s Charity has bought hope to Jazmin and her family in the form of chocolate brown eyes and a wagging tail – an assistance dog!
To have a fully trained assistance dog would mean that Jazmin wouldn’t have to worry if she needed an item as the dog could pick it up and take it to her. The dog would also go to Jazmin and drop down beside her helping Jazmin to stabilize her balance whilst she gets back to her feet and into her chair. Not to mention the emotional bond and sense of companionship Jazmin would develop with her own four legged companion.
Approximately $20,000 is needed to train an assistance dog with the specialised skills required to meet Jazmin’s needs.
Variety - the Children’s Charity in partnership with Aussie Pooch Mobile Hydrobath, Pet Crazy Robina, Royal Canin and Craig A Murray Dog Training have combined forces to fundraise for Jazmin’s assistance dog.
You can help Variety – the Children’s Charity make Jazmin’s dream for an assistance dog come true, to donate, visit www.variety.org.au/qld/donate quoting ‘Jazmin’s doggy appeal’ or phone 1300 4 VARIETY (07 3907 9300).
Gloria Jean's Partnership
14 October 2011
Variety - the Children’s Charity and Gloria Jean’s Coffees™ have just announced an exciting new partnership venture, kicking off this month with the ‘Cappuccino-for-a-Cause’ campaign.
On Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October, Gloria Jean’s coffee houses across Australia will donate 50 cents from every cappuccino sold, to Australia’s most loved charity that helps to empower children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.
“Cappuccino for a Cause is a fantastic initiative by Gloria Jean’s Coffees™. The event will help us to raise much needed funds and awareness in communities throughout Queensland” said Les Riley, CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity in Queensland.
“We’re very confident we can reach our target of $150,000 nationally, but we need the help of each and every one of our supporters” he said.
Cappuccino for a Cause aims to raise the six figure sum to fund the purchase of three Sunshine Coaches that allow children to be transported to school and community events, as well as two Liberty Swings, which are custom-built swing-sets designed for children in wheelchairs.
Guests at Gloria Jean’s Coffees™ can contribute through donations in With Heart collection boxes, purchasing Gloria Jean’s Coffees™ Travel Cups and Shortbread Heart Cookies, throughout October.
The fundraising ends on a high on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October when 50 cents from every cappuccino sold will go to Variety - the Children’s Charity.
To know that you can make a difference and put a smile on the face of a Queensland child simply by enjoying a cup of coffee, is just fantastic.
2011 XXXX Gold Variety Bash
Tuesday 30 August 2011
After 3,000km up hill, down dale, over creeks, through gates and under bridges, the 2011 XXXX Gold Variety Bash is now complete and final funds raised have been confirmed. Variety Queensland is delighted to announce a net profit of over $1.325 million.
This staggering result was achieved thanks to the hard work of Variety Bash sponsors and participants and will assist Variety the children’s charity to empower Queensland children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn.
This year over 400 people in 150 cars traversed the Western, Southern and Darling Downs starting in Hervey Bay on Thursday 18 August and crossing the finishing line on Friday 26 August at the Optus Gympie Music Muster.
The 2011 XXXX Gold Variety Bash visited 17 schools and 30+ communities over the 9 days and left over $120,000 worth of support and assistance to children and the organisations that support them in its wake. Specific presentations were made to help out schools with educational equipment such as interactive whiteboards, library resources and even playground equipment designed to assist children with special needs.
Click here to read the day-by-day account of the 2011 XXXX Gold Variety Bash
Click here to find out about the 2012 XXXX Gold Variety Bash
Variety 2011 Tax Appeal
Thursday 23 June 2011
Please help us raise the $36,000 we need to provide 20 children with much needed equipment. By donating today your help will make a brighter future for child who has special needs, just like Reeve.
Reeve is a beautiful and loving four-year-old with Autism Spectrum Disorder. While he does not speak yet, he has clearly wanted to talk and connect more with his family, friends and other children. Supported by people like you, Variety provided Reeve with an Assistance Dog he named Buster. Click here to read more about Reeve.
Click Here help us help more special kids like Reeve.
Help John Williamson Help Variety!
Tuesday 7 June 2011
A blend designed for Australia... we can all drink to that!
We need your help! Twinings Tea has embarked on an endeavour to find Australia's favourite tea blend. Variety supporter and iconic Australian entertainer John Williamson has put together his own blend and if Australia votes it the best, 10 cents from each pack sold will be donated to Variety!
5 well-known Australians have been enlisted to create their own Australian Afternoon Blend and it's now up to our supporters to vote for John Williamson and support Variety!
Click Here to visit the voting page. Remember, vote John Williamson!
It's on again - the Variety Regional Tour!
Tuesday 10 May 2011
In recent years Variety has seen an increase in requests for equipment and services from Queensland kids in need. As this demand on our resources continues to grow, we are particularly keen to strengthen our network and assist children in need in regional locations throughout Queensland.
Ian Mackay, Variety Queensland’s Chief Barker and Rob Goodwin, Motoring Events Director, would like to invite our supporters from around the state to join them and other Variety supporters to hear more about Variety Queensland, our plans for regional Queensland and how our supporters can become more involved. The Variety Regional Tour will visit Cairns, Townsville and Mackay mid May.
Click Here for details on when the Variety Regional Tour is visiting a town near you!
Many hands make Liberty Swings a reality for Macgregor Students.
Thursday 5 May 2011
A Variety Liberty Swing is the latest addition to the Macgregor State School playground and is the jewel in the crown of their Mayfest Celebrations. The Liberty Swing and playground will be officially opened with a swag of local celebrities and dignitaries on Saturday 7th May at 11:00am.
The Honorable Judy Spence MP, Member for Moreton Graham Perrett, Councillor for Macgregor Steven Huang and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk will be accompanied by MC Ian Skippen as the playground and Liberty Swing are officially opened to the squeals of delight from the Macgregor State School Students.
Click Here for the media release.
Variety partners with locals to lift Emily to new heights.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Emily is a beautiful and loving 11 year old girl who has been diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and an intellectual impairment. She requires assistance with all activities of daily living and her primary form of mobility is her powerwheelchair which she is able to drive independently. Emily is unable to be transported in the family vehicle as there is currently no way for her power wheelchair to be lifted into the car and anchored safely into place.
Click Here for the media release.
Jet skiers Wipeout to raise money for kids.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
Jet skiers from all over Queensland are rising to the challenge to trek down the Queensland coastline from Townsville to Mackay in early May and raise money for children’s charity Variety Queensland. Like the famous Variety Bash & 4WD events, but done on water down the magnificent south-east Queensland coastline, the 2011 Whitsunday Wipeout Yamaha Variety Jet Trek event will start in Townsville on Monday 9th May before travelling over 550kms through the magnificent Whitsundays and end
in Mackay 6 days later.
Click Here for the media release.
We have a winner!
Thursday 21 April 2011
Our Jet Ski Art Union was drawn today and the lucky winner is.....Kristy from Blackwater in Queensland! Congratulations on the new Jet Ski Kristy. We hope to see you on the next Variety Jet Trek!
In a recent phone call to Kristy, this is what she said "I am happy making donations or purchasing raffle tickets anytime especially when it's for such a great cause like Variety! I've never given much thought to winning a big prize it's about supporting a cause and those who give their time. So actually winning such an awesome prize but knowing it is in support of a worthy cause only makes winning so much sweeter!"
Trinity Beach Playground Grand Opening.
Thursday 21 April 2011
With help from our dedicated fundraisers, generous individuals and corporate supporters, Variety Queensland has funded a much needed playground for the special needs students at Trinity Beach State School’s Special Education Unit to the total value of $71,500
You have been invited to attend a very special grand opening of this amazing playground on Friday 29th April 2011 at 11:00am. Please RSVP by Wednesday 27th April so we are able to inform the school as to how many guests will be attending. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries.
Click Here for the invitation.
Liberty Swing brings smiles on little faces!
Tuesday 13 April 2011
A Variety Liberty Swing is the latest addition to the all abilities playground located in Appleton Park, Yeppoon and will be officially opened on Friday, 15th April at 10:00am. The All Abilities Playground at Appleton Park, located on the corner of Appleton Drive and Anzac Parade, has been specifically designed to cater for children with special needs and the Liberty Swing is a major attraction for children with physical impairments or in wheelchairs.
Click Here for the media release.
Airlie Beach Old Bags Wrap!
Wednesday 30 March 2011
Airlie Beach’s latest fundraising sensation raised over $7,000 net profit for Variety Queensland the children’s charity with 90 Ladies enjoying the Variety Old Bags Lunch at Fish D’Vine on 23rd March. This sell-out event was the first time held in Airlie Beach aimed at Ladies who Love to Lunch and featured fun, fashion, FUNdraising and of course … handbags! The lovely lunchettes brought their old handbags which were donated to Lifeline, and subsequently went home with brand new ones!
Click Here for the media release.
Australia's master chefs delight the senses!
Thursday 24 March 2011
Variety the children’s charity is proud to present its 2011 Variety of Chefs Ball, a black-tie gala event held at The Hilton Hotel’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday 21st May from 6.30pm, showcasing the talents and creations of Australia’s master chefs whilst raising much-needed funds for sick and disadvantaged children.
Eight of Australia’s top chefs will delight the senses, preparing a sumptuous three-course menu before the eyes.
Click Here for the media release.
Pet Crazy Robina rallies funds for Reeve and his four legged friend.
Monday 21 March 2011