Only days before Christmas and the start of the summer school holidays, Tyler (7), Curtis (6) and Kiara (5) had their bikes stolen from their front yard in Shepparton, Victoria. As the yard gate was locked, thieves scaled the high fence to steal these precious bikes. Hearing this unfortunate story prompted Variety – the children’s charity to help these children in need. With plans for fun and adventure in the school holidays completely ruined, Variety was able to step in and bring some post-Christmas joy to the family. Variety presented new bikes to these special children on Thursday 19th January as part of their Bikes 4 Kids program.
This presentation was possible due to the generous support of listeners who donated funds through the 3AW Variety Radiothon held in July 2011. This was an additional bike presentation to the five held across Victoria in the lead up to Christmas, during which over 1000 bikes were given away.
Variety Victoria Chairman Mr Doug Christie said “the bike program was one of the most rewarding initiatives on the charity organisation’s calendar. Recipients are sourced from many different schools and organisations and we’re yet to see anyone leave disappointed”.
This is the ninth consecutive year Variety has been able to distribute new bikes and helmets to children with special needs. A total of $180,000 was raised during the 2011 event ensuring over 1000 Victorian children received new bikes.
In North Central Victoria, Variety has provided nine Sunshine Coaches to schools and organisations. Sunshine Coaches transport children from special schools and other organisations to activities that enable them to interact with their friends and the community. They literally bring sunshine into the lives of children, who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs and otherwise might be confined to their homes or schools.
Variety Victoria has also provided a Liberty Swing to Seymour Special School, Shepparton City Council and Shire of Campaspe respectively. Liberty Swings allow children in wheelchairs or living with a physical impairment the chance to enjoy the exhilaration of swinging.
Uniquely Australian and Variety’s largest fundraising event, the Variety Vic Bash will officially start from Shepparton this year on Thursday 23 August for the 10 day adventure in the Australian outback. The Variety Bash winds its way through four states on its way to north east Queensland and final destination, Hamilton Island. Over the years, The Variety Bash has welcomed a number of local entrants from Shepparton and surrounding areas.
This annual road event involving outrageously themed cars and crew is not a race or a rally, but an entertaining event where the fun is about getting involved and raising funds to help children who are sick, disadvantaged or who have special needs to live, laugh and learn.