Variety – The Children’s Charity of WA and its supporters have been acknowledged with four awards at the 2025 Variety International Annual General Meeting in May.
Variety WA received an Innovation Award for it’s 2024, Electric Vehicle Adventure, a bold, innovative campaign designed to supercharge Variety’s national profile and highlight beneficial impacts.
Covering an extraordinary 11,000 km in just 13 days, the electric vehicle expedition brought together three Variety Tents in a first-of-its-kind collaboration that fused cutting-edge technology with charitable purpose.
A Corporate Award was given to long term WA event supporter Goldsec for supporting hundreds of Variety events with security, volunteer paramedic and ambulance support for 25 years.
Managing Director of Goldsec, Aleksandar Borkovic said he hoped the award inspired other businesses to support the work of Variety: “Goldsec is a security and emergency services organisation and we deal with a lot of incidents that sometimes have negative outcomes for individuals.
“I’m a big supporter of children with disability and kids that go through treatments for different issues. They become quite extraordinary individuals and are incredibly resilient and motivated.
“So, I am a big supporter of organisations that encourage personal and professional growth for children. The company ethos is my ethos to provide services in a selfless manner. It’s not about advertising, but if it helps Variety WA’s cause we are happy to assist.” He said.
Finally, two outstanding long-term supporters, Mandy Prindiville and Jay Walter, received official Presidential Citation Awards. Variety International President, Steven Zuehlke acknowledged Mandy for successfully raising about 2 million dollars over her 18 years relationship with Variety. As well as being a participant and organiser of 14 4WD events, event manager of the Variety Ball and serving a six-year term on the Board. Mandy continues to share her time, knowledge and creativity to support Variety WA.
Mandy said that her commitment to helping children in need started with a simple fundraiser 17 years ago: “My work with Variety WA felt like a natural progression, there are just so many ways people can get involved and contribute, and it all makes a difference. Since that day, I have witnessed the life changing effect that these grants have on families in WA. It keeps me driven to raise more funds and help as many families as possible.
“I am honoured to be recognised but I’m just one of many supporters and fundraisers who have done so much for the cause and for kids who might otherwise miss out.” She said.
Jay Walter received a Presidential Citation Award for his extraordinary contribution to Variety WA through his participation in the iconic Bash and the Creative Car Cruise over 15 years. Jay has also served on the Variety Board and as a Chief Barker (Board Chair) from 2020-2021. Jay is credited with creating the Variety of Choice Home Lottery in 2015 and engaged Plunkett Homes in an annual corporate sponsorship, which continues today.
A Presidential Citation is a prestigious award by Variety International to recognise unsung heroes for exceptional and sustained contributions to the organization. This award is presented to individuals who have made a significant impact as donors, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, or staff, encouraging everyone to strive for excellence.
Variety WA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Chatterton said he was thrilled to hear of the awards and acknowledgements: “It goes without saying that small charities like Variety WA would not be able to deliver as much as we do for the community without the unwavering support of generous businesses and individuals.
“I am so happy that Goldsec, Jay Walter and Mandy Prindiville have all received these prestigious and well-deserved international awards.
“We are truly grateful to all our amazing supporters, volunteers and fundraisers for making the work we do possible and helping us to put as much funding back into kids in need as possible.”
