Help transform the lives of B.C.’s kids during the 8th annual Variety Week

Donations made during the campaign will be matched for 2X the impact 

Kids with disabilities and complex healthcare needs in B.C. need your help now. Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC is inviting British Columbians to participate in Variety Week from October 16 to 20 to come together as one community and give. 

Here are just a few stories that show how your support can help Variety transform lives:

Callum & Ronan Unger: Callum and Ronan from Vancouver are nine and seven year olds that both require significant assistance to help get them through school, and everyday life. Fortunately, Variety has been able to help the family with funding for numerous therapies and educational support so that the boys can cope with the world around them.

Tristan Cannon: Tristan is a six year old from Vancouver with a speech disorder that can make it challenging for others to understand him. With the rise of living costs, it was very difficult for Tristan’s mother to afford a speech therapist and many speech therapists only offered virtual sessions, but that did not address Tristan’s specific needs. Fortunately, Variety provided a grant for Tristan to have a speech therapist come and work with him one on one comfortably in his own home.

Supporters can tune into Global BC newscasts throughout the week to see firsthand the work and impact Variety has had on kids with complex health needs and their families across B.C. Donations made during Variety Week will be matched by a group of donors and sponsors, doubling the impact for kids and their families. Throughout the month of October, culminating during Variety Week, donors can help Variety say yes to more kids and ensure that all children have the brightest possible future. 

“Our generous donors and partners create an incredible ripple effect of positive change for kids, their families, and the communities they live in,” says Andrea Tang, CEO, Variety BC. “Variety Week is special because it reminds us that one week can change countless lives—and we rely on critical support from the community during this time to provide life-changing equipment, resources, and services to kids and families across British Columbia.” 

“Global BC is proud to present Variety Week to help make a difference for kids who need our help,” says Bhupinder Hundal, News Director and Station Manager, Global BC. “We are so grateful to our dedicated viewers for their incredible generosity. Their continued support ensures families across our province will receive the assistance they deserve.” 

Participating in Variety Week is easy – tune in to Global BC newscasts from October 16 to 20, 2023 to learn more about the kids who need your help today, and: 

● Make a one-time donation or become a monthly donor by visiting variety.bc.ca ● Donate by phone – donors can call 310-KIDS (5437) toll-free 

● Text the word “KIDS” to 45678 to make an automatic $25 donation. 

This year, Variety has partnered with contemporary artist Richard Broduer, who began painting to support his mental wellbeing after retiring from NHL career as a beloved goalkeeper, to create a one-of-a-kind art piece for Variety Week entitled All Inclusive. Featuring captivating images of children playing hockey together, including some using adaptive equipment, a digital copy of the poster will be given to donors that make a donation of $169 or more, or become a monthly donor. All donations, regardless of the amount, will also be entered to win one of five signed prints. 

To learn more about Variety Week and the impact Variety has made across the province, please visit variety.bc.ca/varietyweek. 

About Variety – the Children’s Charity of BC 

Variety is on a mission to help every child with complex healthcare needs fulfill their unique potential. By providing life-changing support and essential resources—including medical and mobility equipment, specialized therapists, mental health counsellors, expert tutors, and vital assessments—we empower extraordinary children to overcome barriers and thrive. We believe that every child has the right to live in an inclusive world and feel a sense of belonging in their community. Every donation helps more kids be kids and makes a profound difference in the lives of families across British Columbia.