Ron Barton first became involved with Variety in 2003 when he joined the Variety Bash with Barry Ion.
In 2008 he established and chaired the “Kick In 4 Kids” Radiothon raising an incredible $120,000 in its first year.
In 2009 the Kick In 4 Kids continued to grow, moving away from a Radiothon format to an Adventure form of fundraising.
Sponsored by the SA Tourism Commission, the Variety Kick In 4 Kids Trek was born, and later became the Variety Adventure TV Trek. It was hugely successful raising over $750,000 in its 5 years.
His Company continues to be a Sponsor of the Variety Radiothon, is also a Variety Business Partner, and is a Gold Sponsor of the Variety Moto Run.
He organised major Golf Days from 2012 – 2014 raising even more money for Variety.
His Company was the major Sponsor of the 2009 Variety Melbourne Cup Luncheon.
He has participated in:
- 15 x Bashes (7 as an entrant & 8 as an Official)
- 12 x 4WD Events
- 11 x Variety Moto Runs
He has been a Variety Board Member since 2008 and was Chair of the Board from 2013 – 2015
In 2015 he won a Variety International Presidential Citation Award, a prestigious award which recognises extraordinary service to Variety.
In 2019 he took on the role as Chair of the Variety Motor Run Event.