What is Variety - the Children’s Charity of BC?
Variety - the Children’s Charity steps in where health care ends providing direct help to children with special need province-wide. For 55 years, Variety has ensured that children have support to reach their full potential and thrive.
Funding from Variety helps to cover a wide arrange of assistance to children and families from lifesaving medical supplies, educational support for learning disabilities, mobility equipment, specialized therapies and mental wellness counselling.
Why is Variety needed?
Often a child’s condition is complex, which means care and support is needed for various aspects of their development throughout their childhood – support that is often not covered by public or private health plans. It is a journey that children and their families face with perseverance, and with the support of donors, Variety is by their side.
What is the Show of Hearts Telethon?
It’s an all new three day event beginning on Thursday Feb 18th and ending on Saturday Feb 20th. On Thursday, February 18 and Friday, February 19, stories of Variety kids and their families will air throughout the day on Global BC’s newscasts including Global News Morning, Global News at Noon and Global News Hour at 6. Then on Saturday, February 20th, the 55th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon will air on Global BC from 1:00 pm – 5:30 pm. The goal of the Show of Hearts Telethon is to help as many kids as we possibly can. This year’s event has never been so important as demand for help from families continues to grow and we never want to find ourselves in a situation when a child has to wait for help. We have a phenomenal entertainment line-up featuring sixteen-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and Canadian Icon, David Foster as well as legendary Canadian rockers, Loverboy. Matching gift opportunities up to $510,000 from corporations, foundations and anonymous donors will be available during various times throughout the three days.
Ways to donate: online at variety.bc.ca or text KIDS to 45678 to make an automatic $20 contribution.
Where does donor money go?
Grants are provided directly to BC families who have kids with special needs. Funding from Variety helps to cover mobility equipment, medical supplies, specialized therapy, education bursaries or tutoring for children with learning disabilities and counselling for children with mental health issues.
Is Variety a registered charity?
One of the oldest in BC! Our Registered Charity number is: #108168709. We’ve been here for over 50 years and have helped launch organizations like BC Children’s Hospital and Canuck Place.
How is Variety in BC connected to Variety International?
Variety in BC is one of 41 chapters in 11 countries around the world that form the entire Variety International organization. The original chapter was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1927. The funds that are raised in BC are distributed exclusively in BC.
How can a person get involved with Variety?
Variety welcomes Volunteers of all ages and abilities. To find out how you can become involved, contact our Manager of Volunteer Services at aly.karim@variety.bc.ca. More information on volunteering is available under the “Get Involved” tab on Variety’s website (variety.bc.ca).
