Show of Hearts Scholarships are now open for 2012!
Each year, Variety makes available 
$50 000 for children who are sick, disadvantaged, or disabled who are aged 18 years or under. Scholarship funding is designed to assist children to reach their full potential of talent through four areas: music, art, sport or education. If you know of a child with talent, register now to ensure your child receives the support they need to develop their passion.
For those successful, Variety also provides specific mentors to ensure the children will receive advice, encouragement, and inspiration to help them on their way.
Application forms and guidelines are available on How We Help webpages, click here.
Are you thirsty? Help Aroona Water to help Variety!
Tues Sept 20
Aroona water will donate a portion of sales from their water bottles to Variety nationally in a recently announced campaign. Their new labels include the Variety logo and our mission statement.
Aroona water is available from your local supermarket so please help Aroona to help us! The name ‘Aroona’ means spring water in the Aboriginal language and after Mount Franklin, they are the largest bottled water supplier in Australia. The water is bottled at their own spring in the beautiful Blue Mountains in NSW. For more information about Aroona you can visit their website at www.aroonasprings.com.au
.JPG)
Variety From The Heart Cocktail Party
Tues Sept 13
Variety SA hosted a cocktail party on September 9 to honour business partners, sponosrs and members. Thanks to the National Wine Centre for hosting the event, it was a fantastic night. Click here to view photo gallery.
South Australia’s most successful fundraising event raises $1.47Million for Children in Need and announces its new sponsor for 2012
Mon Aug 22
While the dust has settled on this year’s tremendously successful SA Variety Bash, the real benefits are still to come, with a huge $1.47 Million raised for South Australian children in need.
Now in its 23rd year, the leading fundraising event has raised a total of $27 Million since its inception.
After eight days on the road, covering a total of 2633 kilometres, 300 people in over 100 vehicles crossed the finish line in Hahndorf over the weekend, having left King William Rd, Hyde Park a week earlier on a journey that took them through some of South Australia’s most iconic destinations.
Bash Chairman, Doug Lehmann is thrilled by the huge amount of much needed funds that have been raised for children in South Australia who are sick, disabled or have special needs.
“It is with heartfelt thanks to our Bashers who have spent the last 12 months fundraising that we can announce we have raised a total of $1.47 Million Raised for children who need it most,” he said. Read More.
View photo Gallery on AdelaideNow
Tell your Boss to 'Get on his Bike' with the Variety V2 Classic
Mon Aug 22
This year's motorcycle cruise will be in the Riverland, raising money for children in need while participants enjoy a scenic ride and great dining.
The event's chairman, Alister Haigh, said the event was a relaxing trip for riders and a chance to celebrate the amount of money raised for charity.
"Our ride director always picks some fabulous rides and countryside to experience," he said.
Mr Haigh said planned pit stops at Banrock Station and a dinner cruise on the Mundoo paddle steamer would make the trip a gourmet as well as a visual feast. "It's definitely going to be a good food and wine experience as well as a riding experience," he said. To read more of this article on Adelaide Now click here. Pic: Jo-anna Robinson.
Adventure TV Golf Day
Thurs Aug 18
Variety Adventure TV hosted a golf day at Glenelg Golf Course as a fundraiser to support the Variety Freedom program. The event raised $34,000 through the participation of 22 teams. The day was a huge success with all entrants enjoying a sausage sizzle and a few drinks along the way!
Thank you to the sponsors of the day - Riley wines, Bulk wine supplies, Yellow Corporation, Destination for men, Profile promotional partners, Coopers, Jarvis cars, Whyalla Telstra Shop and Simon Hackett Wines.
Check out all the pics on facebook here!
2011 Top Bash Fundraisers
Tues Aug 16
The SA Variety Bash celebrations started early at Gold Door Panel night on Friday August 5 at the Lockleys Hotel. Guests waited in anticipation to hear the results of the top fundraisers for 2011. The top fundraisers for 2011, for a second year in a row were Car 222 (Sue Pearce, Roz Chow, Maylene Loo, Joy Marchant) with an outstanding $190k, followed by Car MAX (David Vincent, Chris McEgan, Mark Wauer, David Smith, Jason Neil, Mark Conway) with just over $117k and in third place with just over $98k, Car 666 (Lachlan Cox, Dorham Pfeiffer, Paul Burrows and Matt Paulett). For the full list of results please click here.
The 2011 ‘Iconic’ Bash took off from King William Road on Saturday August 13 to the cheers of hundreds of spectators. The contingent of 300 people in 100 cars will complete their 8 day journey this Saturday August 20 at 3.30pm in Hahndorf. For more information & to view the latest pics click here
Haigh's hearts for Variety!
Tues July 19
Variety is proud to announce a new sponsorship with Haigh’s Chocolates that was launched last Friday at their Parkside factory.
From July until June 2012, Haigh’s will donate part proceeds from the sale of its 125g Large Milk Chocolate Hearts to help Variety continue its very important work.
Haigh’s Chocolates Chief Executive Officer Alister Haigh said the family-run business was pleased to provide Variety with corporate sponsorship.
“At Haigh’s Chocolates, it is important to us to support and give in the community. The work of Variety is inspirational, unique and deserves our support,” said Alister, who regularly participates in and is the Chairman of the V2 Classic Bike Run.
Variety CEO Sylvia Andersons added the not-for-profit was excited about the partnership with Haigh’s.
“Not only is Haigh’s Chocolates an iconic South Australian brand, they are providing real and practical support to make a tangible difference to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs so they can live, laugh and learn,” said Ms Andersons.
To find out more about Haigh’s please visit their website http://haighschocolates.com.au or pop into one of their delicious stores today!
2011 Chairman's Dinner
Tues 19 July
The fifth annual Chairman’s Dinner was held at the Stamford Plaza on Wednesday 22 June. The fifty invited guests enjoyed an intimate evening with ‘round table’ networking at this event that is purely designed to give something back to those who give so much to Variety.
The evening was made possible through the generosity of The Stamford Group. Guests were treated to a specially designed three course gourmet dinner beautifully complimented by a selection of wines thanks to the generosity of Tim Adams Wines and Wicks Estate. One of the Stamford’s chefs, Stephen gave a impromptu and heart warming talk on how Variety has helped his son who has autism with travel to and from school on a Variety Sunshine Coach.
During the course of the evening guests were addressed by Chairman Peter de Cure on Variety SA’s achievements over the past 12 months. Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of an appeal to Toby Mills. Seven year old Toby was born with a left congenital limb deficiency and
Variety was delighted to grant $20,963 for the purchase of a new Myoelectric prosthesis which provides improved function for his everyday life tasks, including his love for sports.
The Chairman’s Dinner will continue as a regular feature in the Variety calendar and we look forward to continuing to honour our many generous supporters in the future.
Reg is back for the 2011 Santa Fun Run!
Thurs June 23
Join the Variety Santa Fun Run taking place on Sunday 27th November 2011 in NSW, SA, WA, VIC, NT, and QLD. Registrations are now open! Visit the Santa Fun Run website at www.varietysantafunrun.com.au
Click here to view the new promo!
Variety's annual themed ball raises record $215k!
Mon June 20
Adelaide’s premiere Winter event was held on Friday night 3rd June and themed Variety's Night in Paris. This year marked the 10 year anniversary of this annual ball with a record attendance of 1,576 guests and an amazing $215,000 net raised.
The Adelaide Convention Centre looked like it had literally been transported to Paris and all who attended made a huge effort to look Parisian! Click here to view photos of the event and read more.
Music the key to a better life
Tues April 12
For some children playing the piano is a source of enjoyment, but for Joseph Russell it is key to his development. The 10 year old who has Down syndrome, regularly tinkers with his family's piano because he says "it's fun".
To view full article click here.
2011 Variety Bash Launch
Wed April 6
The 2011 SA Variety Bash launch was held on Friday 26th February at the Lockleys Hotel, where over 200 Bashers enjoyed the food and wine while awaiting the announcement of the 2011 Iconic Bash route. Staying in theme – this year’s Bash will pass by many iconic locations, starting on the 13th August in Adelaide’s iconic King William Road. The Bash will arrive eight days later in the iconic German town Hahndorf. Again Variety is fortunate to have the support of station owners allowing the Bash to travel on private tracks. Check the Bash event page for complete route information and snippets of the 2011 event.
A big highlight on the night was the appeal presentation to Toby Mills, a true account of how children like Toby benefit from Variety and the hard earned funds raised by our Bash entrants.
Toby is seven years old, and has a congenital left limb deficiency. He is very bright, bubbly and loves to do activities such as swimming, T-Ball, table-tennis, tennis, soccer, basketball, walking his dog and he is a SRC rep this year at school.
Variety has recently approved myoelectric prosthesis for Toby to the value of $20,963. This prosthesis will allow Toby to do some of the normal day to day things which we take for granted such as tie his shoe laces, cut his food using a knife and fork, play with two handed toys and rest his right arm and improve his posture. Toby’s Mother Shelley said “I cannot thank the Bash participants enough for raising money for Variety. What you have done for my son leaves me feeling very overwhelmed and extremely grateful.”
Appeals Update - How your donations help
Wed April 6
The Mimili Anangu School is remotely located on the APY lands which span 10,000 square kilometres across Northern South Australia. The students rarely have the opportunity to experience challenges outside their “comfort zone”. For many of the students, English is their second language.
Many of the students at the Mimili Anangu School have never seen the beach or the sea. But now, thanks to Variety, the children’s charity they were able to spend a week on the water aboard the One & All ship as part of its acclaimed Youth Development Program.
Just over $37,000 was funded towards the voyage through the Variety Freedom Program.
On the voyage, the students experienced life aboard a traditional sailing ship while learning how to work together in an isolated, unfamiliar and adventure-based environment.
Participating in the One & All voyage also enabled the students to gain credits towards completing their SACE.
It’s great to see the dollars that are raised by our hardworking fundraisers helping to make a tangible difference to the lives of students such as the Mimili Anangu students. It is because of our fundraisers that Variety is able to do the work we do and help so many South Australian children in need.
Individuals as well as children’s charities and organisations are welcome to apply for a Variety appeal any time throughout the year. To find out more information or to download an application form visit the HOW WE HELP page.
Nathen races towards Paralympics
Tues Feb 1
At age eight, Nathan Arkley was diagnosed with a rare condition that left him a paraplegic. Now 16, he is one of the world's best junior wheelchair racers and has his sights set on next year's London Paralympics.
To view full article click here.
Variety Flood Appeal
Thurs Jan 20
We have all witnessed the damage and destruction of the devastating floods in Queensland and other areas of Australia, ruin that will take enormous time and resource to repair.
In response to an overwhelming need from our smallest and most vulnerable flood victims, Variety, the children’s charity has launched a flood appeal specifically to provide grass roots assistance to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs and have lost vital equipment in this natural disaster.
Help will include replacing critical medical equipment, mobility devices, such as wheelchairs and standing frames, communications aids and specialist computer equipment for children living with illness, physical or intellectual disabilities, gifting toys and sporting equipment for local children, rebuilding accessible playgrounds or restocking regional school libraries.
Please be a Champion for our children. Thousands of children are without homes or vital equipment and more than 90 kindergartens and 60 schools have been affected by floodwaters. Together, we can champion the needs of flood affected children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, ensuring a rapid response and positive outcome for these children, their families and communities.
This appeal has now closed. Thank you for your support.
Ladies of Variety brighten the day for disadvantaged children
Thurs Dec 16
A ‘rowdy’ bunch of children were recently running around Port Lincoln thanks to the efforts of Ladies of Variety (LOV) who brought 60 disadvantaged children to Port Lincoln for the day.
Ladies of Variety is a group of business women who work on fundraising events with Variety SA to bring a smile to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs. They run lots of smaller events, but have embarked on a bigger journey and recently proved they are on the right track.
Jenny Hurley, Diana Williams and Sarah Ricciuto from the Port Lincoln Hotel were the LOV organisers and with the help of local Variety volunteers Sandra Lukin and Deb Sampson, Adventure Bay Charters and Glen Forest Tourist Park– despite a small shower of rain – the day went without a hitch.
With their fundraising efforts and the generosity of Cobham Aviation Services, LOV chartered a plane from Adelaide to Port Lincoln, setting off at 9am for a day full of adventure. Read more.
Royal Flying Doctor Service Aircraft dedication ceremony
Thurs Dec 16
Photo: Minister John Hill, John Lynch - RFDS CEO, Nicole Haack, Sylvia Andersons Variety CEO.
Variety SA last year pledged $600,000 to RFDS to enable a complete medical fit out of a brand new Pilatus PC-12 aircraft. The official dedication ceremony of the new aircraft took place on October 27.
The aircraft known as VH-FVA is the first of five new medically-equipped Pilatus PC-12 aircraft to be introduced to the Central Operations fleet over the calendar year and is worth $6 million, the total project costing $30 million.
John Lynch, CEO of RFDS Central Operations said “We rely on the support of the community to help purchase and medically-equip our replacement aircraft – and we applaud the generosity of Variety, the children’s charity for its grant to enable the medical fit-out of this very aircraft and its conversion to a ‘flying intensive care unit’. Read more.