- Variety

HEARTBEAT
2013/2014 Summer Edition
w varietywa.org.au
Official newsletter of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Western Australia
p 08 9355 3655
/VarietyWA
/VarietyWA
/VarietyAustralia
Variety Youth Choir hits high note
As a group, they captivate audiences
with their high energy song and dance
routines, but it’s the individual talent and
triumph of its many members that makes
the Variety Youth Choir so special.
The Varie
Musical D ty Youth Choir wit
h
irector De
nise De M
(Photo co
a
urtesy of
rchi
Mich
ael Bain)
“The choir represents everything that Variety WA is about
- giving children and young people the opportunity to
have a better experience in life,” said Denise De Marchi,
Musical Director and co-founder of the Variety Youth
Choir (proudly sponsored by Killarnee).
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2013, the Choir brings
members together across diverse backgrounds, including
some with disability or disadvantage, all united by a
passion for entertaining.
As one of WA’s busiest professional young performance
groups, Denise said the Choir helps to increase the selfconfidence and skills of members by providing positive
role models, friendship, a sense of belonging, weekly
rehearsal and the chance to shine professionally on
stage.
“It also allows each member to volunteer their time to
give back to the community. By sharing their time and
talent at their performances throughout the year, they
are outstanding young ambassadors for Variety,” Denise
said.
“As well as performing regularly at community and other
charity events such as Relay for Life, the Choir charges
a professional fee for corporate balls and events,
with all funds going back to Variety WA”.
Variety Youth Choir member Emma Vardy, who
is vision impaired, said she enjoyed being a
soloist with the Choir.
“We sing wonderful songs... everyone
seems determined to do the best they can.
I really love it, I’m so glad I joined!”
will be held at
A special anniversary concert
Sunday 9 March
The Quarr y Amphitheatre on
the Variety Youth
2014 to celebrate 15 years of
see page 10.
Choir. For more information
pg 1
O
E
C
e
h
t
m
o
r
F
Thanks to your generous support, Variety – the Children’s
Charity is able to provide tangible and much needed
equipment and programs, often having a profound and
lasting impact on the lives of WA kids in need.
Our IT packages help children communicate and learn; wheelchair accessible
modifications for homes or vehicles make life easier for families; hydrotherapy
spas give children relief from pain and help build muscle tone – the list goes on.
Sometimes, it’s simply about giving families the opportunity to experience a
fun-filled day, away from the added worry and constant planning that comes
with caring for a child with serious illness, disability or disadvantage.
That’s why we host the Variety WA Kids Christmas Party, an event especially for
the hundreds of children Variety assists; their parents, siblings and carers.
Everything is provided to ensure an unforgettable festive celebration for all –
rides and activities, on stage entertainment, face painting, baby animals, a visit
from Santa Claus and present for every child.
CEO Michael
Pailthorpe
(Photo courte
sy
of Michael Bai
n)
By making a donation of $75, you can sponsor a child to attend the 2013 Variety
WA Kids Christmas Party and help give the gift of happiness to a child in need
and their family. You can also give your time by volunteering at the event.
On behalf of Variety WA, I wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a
safe, happy and blessed New Year.
Lesley all Hart' for Toy Bank
Retiring Chairperson Lesley Hart was
honoured for almost two decades of
tireless service at the recent Variety WA
Toy Bank event.
Almost 200 ladies attended the luncheon at Royal
Freshwater Bay Yacht Club on Friday, 18 October,
bringing with them new toys for children in women’s
refuges around the state. The afternoon featured a
fabulous parade of spring / summer fashions from
Claremont Quarter.
The luncheon marked Lesley Hart’s last event as Toy
Bank Chairperson, handing the reins to incoming Chair,
Judy Paioff. Having served on the Committee since
its inception 19 years ago, including nine years at the
helm as Chair, Lesley leaves behind a remarkable
legacy and was instrumental in championing
new initiatives to provide further resources and
support for children affected by domestic violence.
On behalf of the entire Variety WA Toy Bank
committee, we extend to Lesley our deepest
appreciation and congratulations.
McCusker
Toy Bank Patron Mrs
with Lesley Hart
pg 2
$ 1 million reasons to celebrate!
For 25 years, a group of ordinary Western Australians have come
together to achieve extraordinary things for WA kids in need.
In 2013, a massive $1 million was raised
for the 25th Anniversary Variety WA Bash,
taking the total funds raised to more than
$21 million since 1989!
The anniversary event started in Exmouth
on 24 August, with over 40 colourfully
themed cars travelling more than 2,780km
through Onslow, Coontha, Carnarvon,
Wooleen, Kalbarri, Geraldton and Jurien
Bay before their triumphant return to
Perth’s Kings Park on Saturday 31 August.
Along the way, the Bashers contributed
$50,000 towards the Exmouth Water Spray
Ground and presented a special waterproof
wheelchair for children to access the
water play area, while young students
from special education units in Exmouth
and Geraldton were thrilled to be guest
passengers in Bash Cars and take part in
local street parades.
As always, regional communities welcomed
the Bash with generous hospitality –
renowned chef Peter Manifis travelled to
Exmouth to treat Bashers to a delicious
seafood feast.
But the most inspiring moments of the
2013 Bash came thanks to a special young
boy named Jack White. As ‘Bash Mascot’,
eight year old Jack was presented with
his own ‘Bash Car’ with panels affixed
ving
Nominate a deser
ty
child for a Varie
y
Scholarship toda
to the side of his wheelchair. With much
support from our Bashers and the wider
Variety community, Jack’s Bash Car raised
a staggering $50,000 - an incredible
achievement. Jack and his parents Trevor
and Charmaine proudly joined Bashers
at the Bash Briefing, the official Start in
Exmouth and the Final Night celebrations,
and their spirit and courage left a lasting
impression.
Many Bash Cars took up the challenge to
raise $25,000 in the 25th anniversary year,
with Highest Fundraiser honours going to
Bash Car 289 (Captain Underpants) and Car
88 (Comedy Detection Agency) the Highest
‘Virgin’ Fundraiser. A special achievement
award was also presented to Life Member
Mark Whately, the first person to complete
25 Variety WA Bash events.
Highes
t Fundr
a
Car 28 isers
9
Captain
Underp
ants
ebrations
Bash cel ow
in Onsl
To our Bashers, Officials, Workshop crew,
Bash Boss Anthony Begley (ably assisted
by Jayne Begley), Bash Chair Brett Heatley
and the Bash Committee – thank you for
making the 25th Anniversary Variety WA
Bash such a success.
Want to tick the Bash off your bucket list?
Sign up now for our 2014 National Bash
from Sydney to Perth. Visit our website for
more information. The Variety Bash - Ya
gotta do it!
Jack White
with (L-R)
dad Trevor,
Geoff Kemp
and mum C
harmaine
Do you know a talented young Western Australian
who is sick, disadvantaged or has special needs?
Every year, the Variety Scholarships are awarded to WA children in need
with a gift for the arts, sport and education. By funding specialist tuition
and related expenses, the scholarships help young people to overcome
adversity and achieve their potential.
More than 200 scholarships (previously known as the Variety Brian
Treasure Scholarships) have been presented over the past 17 years. In
2013 alone, 28 inspirational young people received scholarships to the
total value of over $88,000.
For more information or to download a nomination form, visit the
Variety WA website or call 9355 3655. Applications close 13
December 2013.
The 2014 Variety Scholarships are proudly supported by The
Bendat Family Foundation, the Whately Foundation, Thrifty WA
and Atlas.
Mar y received a 2013 Variety Scholarship for
wheelchair sports (Photo courtesy Julian Masters)
pg 3
4WDrivers tough it out for Variety
Fifty intrepid four-wheel-drivers made
a 3,500km, eight day odyssey from
South Australia to Kalgoorlie last May,
raising almost $300,000 on the Variety
4WD Challenge, proudly supported by
Coleman.
From Adelaide, through the South Australian wine
region, up to the Flinders and Heysen ranges, the sheep
station country around Parachilna, to the coastal hamlet
of Smoky Bay, onto Eucla and finally Kalgoorlie – the
4WD Challenge was full of fantastic scenery, fabulous
entertainment, fun and friendship.
More than $100,000 of 4WD fundraising has been
dedicated towards a new sensory playground for the
Northern and Remote Country Health Service. Providing
vital medical support to communities across the
Goldfields, the service sees up to 1,200 children at its
Kalgoorlie base every year, including approximately 150
children living with an intellectual or physical disability.
The playground will have a natural theme, incorporating
water and other sensory play elements, and has been
specifically designed for use by therapists during
assessment and treatment of the region’s children.
The 2013 Variety 4WD Challenge
raised almost $300,000
Variety stalwarts Jeff and Annette Galloway, 4WD 27
took home Highest Fundraiser honours, raising an
incredible $55,000, while Clive Hartz was recognised for
completing his tenth event.
Heartfelt thanks goes to our 4WD participants, Officials
(including chefs extraordinaire Brad Leahy and Phil
Thomas of Bluewater Grill), Support Crew, event
sponsors Don and Darinka Brooker of Coleman, 4WD
Chair Rod O’Dea and the 4WD Committee for their
outstanding efforts.
Be part of the Variety 4WD Challenge ‘Dirt, Fire, Water’
Kimberley event from 24 – 31 May 2014. See the Variety
WA website or call Bill on 9355 3655 to reserve your
place today.
Workplace Giving
4WD 27
Highest Fundraisers
lloway
Annette and Jeff Ga
pg 4
Workplace Giving is
a simple, cost
effective way you ca
n support Variety
and help kids be kid
s. We can work
with your employer
or employees
to establish a Workp
lace Giving
program, with man
y benefits including
immediate tax savin
gs without needing
receipts. For more
information, please
contact Katie on 93
55 3655.
Marulu
The Marulu S
trategy
aims to make
FASD
history in the
Fitzroy Valle
y
(Photo co
Be a claus
(Photo cou
for a caus
rtesy Jerem
y Tan Photo
e
graphy)
urtesy Feral Fi
lms)
The Kimberley Diamond Company and
Variety WA have partnered to help fight
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
across the Fitzroy Valley.
A significant number of children born in the Kimberley
region are diagnosed with permanent physical and
intellectual disability as a direct result of alcohol
consumption in utero. Excessive alcohol use in the
community further compounds the problem, creating
barriers to normal child development, behaviour and
learning.
Community
ator
Youth Navig s
ie
Jadnah Dav g
un
o
y
educating
ut FASD
women aebsyo Feral Films)
rt
(Photo cou
Funds raised from the annual Kimberley Diamond
Company Diamond Dinner will enable Variety WA to
provide essential resources to support the Marulu
Strategy, a community led initiative aimed at preventing
FASD in the Fitzroy Valley through education, screening,
diagnosis and support. More than $120,000 has been
committed to the program already.
Suit up to help us
raise $100,000
Gather your family, friends and coworkers and be a Claus for a Cause
in the 2013 Variety Santa Fun Run!
Taking place in Fremantle and Geraldton on
Sunday, 1 December, you’ll join thousands around
the country for the quirkiest fun run of the year.
2013 Variety Santa Fun Run child Ambassador
Mikayla Stokes and her family are excited to be
taking part in the event. Mikayla is six years old and
like many young girls, loves being out and about.
Living with global developmental delay and confined
to a manual wheelchair, this was sometimes difficult
until Variety came to Mikayla’s aid.
Over the past few years, Variety WA has supported
Mikayla and her family with grants of a specialist
standing frame and vehicle modifications to make
their family car wheelchair accessible. The Stokes’
have witnessed firsthand how your fundraising
dollars make a real difference and in 2013, have
joined our quest to raise $100,000 to give WA kids
in need the freedom of mobility.
To take part in the Santa Fun Run in Fremantle or
Geraldton, visit www.varietysantafunrun.com.au.
Kimberley Diamond Company MD LeeAnne de Bruin at the Diamond Dinner
(Photo courtesy The Scene Team)
June Oscar OAM speaks about her work leading the
Marulu Strategy (Photo courtesy The Scene Team)
Mikayla w
ith (L-R
dad Brett
and mum )
Belinda
pg 5
Swing helps James soar
James enjo
ying
his new s
wing
(Photo cou
rte
sy Box Ma
12 year old James has a new favourite
past time thanks to a special gift from
Variety WA and ToyBox International.
James lives with multiple disabilities including Down
Syndrome, autism, epilepsy, hearing and sensory
impairments, but he’s lucky to have his loving and
inspiring grandmother, Shirley by his side.
When James first arrived in Shirley’s care he was unable
to communicate and as a coping mechanism, used to
rock back and forth on the floor. Now he’s an active,
exuberant young man who loves to run and play.
Committed to seeing James reach his full potential,
Shirley has worked hard to help James learn to
communicate. But there are still daily challenges, and
James often gets frustrated and anxious when he can’t
express himself or understand changes in his routine.
One activity that brings instant enjoyment and
relaxation is swinging. When it became clear that James
was outgrowing his traditional swing set, Shirley turned
to Variety WA for assistance.
Backed by a donation from ToyBox International, Variety
provided James with his own purpose built swing.
Custom designed and installed by Technology Assisting
Disability WA (TADWA), the swing allows James to play
safely, and has been created to last him into adulthood.
“James loves his swing. He is on it every day, several
times a day. Loves it!” said Shirley.
The swing is one of several Variety grants to be
generously funded by ToyBox International this year.
Gemmill Homes Ball shares the love
More than 800 guests boarded the
Love Boat on August 24 for the annual
Gemmill Homes Ball for Variety WA.
Hosted by musical theatre and TV star Tim Campbell,
guests danced the night away at the Crown Perth Grand
Ballroom for what has become one of Perth’s must
attend events.
The Crown G
rand
Ballroom wa
s
transformed
into
the Love Boa
t
The night raised an amazing
$145,000 for Variety, including
$20,000 towards a wheelchair
accessible Sunshine Coach for
Rockingham PCYC.
A huge thanks to the
volunteer event organisers
Renee Gemmill and Abbie
Durtanovich; the team at
Gemmill Homes, event
sponsors and guests who
all made the night possible.
ailthorpe
Michael P ests at
gu
addresses l Ball
il
the Gemm
pg 6
MC Tim Campbell
gazine)
Movies by Burswood
A team of more than 30 volunteers gave their time
over the summer months to be part of the Movies
by Burswood 2012 / 2013 season. Volunteers earn
credits by working at the not-for-profit outdoor
cinema, with 100% of net profits from the season
shared between several major children’s charities
according to their total credits amassed.
ig Hollins
Volunteer Cra rown from
drew B
presents An
ith cheque
Variety WA w
Board Member and Variety Bike Run participant, Craig
Hollins rallied his fellow Bikers, their friends and
family to support the 2012 / 2013 season. Together,
they volunteered at a total of 200 movie sessions
across three venues, worked a staggering 1,100 hours,
and helped raise $82,888 for Variety WA, all counting
towards the Variety Bike Run fundraising tally.
We acknowledge Ken Gibbons and the Movies by
Burswood Board for allowing Variety WA to be
part of this invaluable charity program. Planning
is already underway for the McDonalds Movies
by Burswood 2013 / 2014 season. To buy your
value cards or for more information, see the
Variety WA website.
Community fundraising
Want to fundraise on behalf of Variety? Become
a community fundraiser today! Hold your own
special event, join Team Red to challenge your
fitness or get your school or workplace involved
– the opportunities are endless. Whether you
raise a few dollars or a few thousand dollars,
your support will have a lasting impact on WA
kids in need. To find out more about community
fundraising or Team Red, visit our website or
contact Lisa Ashby on 9355 3655.
Joining Team Red
is
one of the ways
you
can fundraise
Tayla's memory
lives on in song
Three years ago, Variety WA staff
member Katie O’Donnell met a
courageous young girl named Tayla.
Sadly, at the tender age of 16, Tayla passed away after
losing her battle with cancer.
In her memory, Katie has recorded “On the Inside (Tayla’s
Song)”. Beginning as a poem written by Tayla herself, it
was put to music by Suze De Marchi (Baby Animals) and
Nuno Bettencourt (Extreme). Katie had the privilege of
writing the final verses to complete Tayla’s song after her
passing.
You can listen to the song by searching for it on YouTube
or purchase it via iTunes. Part proceeds from the sale of
the single benefit Variety – the Children’s Charity.
d many
Tayla inspire attle
ve b
with her bra
pg 7
Inaugural Dining Challenge a success
The inaugural Moresby Dining Challenge
was held by Variety WA Midwest in August
with over $40,000 raised on the evening.
The sell out crowd of 200 guests were wined and dined
atop the beautiful Moresby Ranges with a stunning
view of the city lights of Geraldton. A mouth-watering
four course meal was presented by guest chefs Brad
Leahy, Josh Catalano, John Molcher and Daphne
Peterson and entertainment was provided by Jamie
Oliver impersonator, Michael Elezovich and the Western
Australian Detachment of the Royal Australian Navy
Band. Special thanks to event sponsors GlassCo WA,
Batavia Furniture & Bedding, Narwee Pty Ltd and Maicon
Engineering for making the evening such a success.
Guests enjoyed
panoramic
views of Geraldt
on
PJ drive
The Variety WA Midwest branch held its
Pyjama Drive on 29 August.
Locals were encouraged to visit Bunnings Geraldton with
their donation of PJ’s, dressing gowns or slippers for
boys and girls up to 15 years old. Dozens of items were
donated on the
day, which were
then distributed
by Variety
volunteers to
Geraldton Regional
Hospital and
children staying in
women’s refuges
in Geraldton and
Carnarvon.
pg 8
The inaugural di
nner
was a huge succ
ess
Chefs cooked up
a five star dinner
Variety launched
in Peel region
A group of passionate volunteers have
launched the official Peel region of Variety
– the Children’s Charity. Local community
members formed the committee earlier this
year, with Bash participants, volunteers and
grant recipient representatives coming together
to discuss fundraising opportunities in the
region. Inaugural Peel Region President, Brad
Dean said he was excited to see what the new
committee could achieve. “Above all, we want
to raise the profile of Variety in the Mandurah
and Rockingham areas. By fundraising locally,
we hope to create more opportunities for
Peel children in need, schools and community
groups to access support,” Brad said.
Students swing high
Students from Gladys Newton Primary School received
a new addition to their playground thanks to Variety –
the Children’s Charity and Gloria Jean’s Coffees.
The wheelchair accessible Liberty Swing is designed to enable children
living with physical disability, balance or gross motor difficulties to enjoy
the simple thrill of going for a swing, and is worth more than $25,000.
The swing was funded through Variety, using part proceeds from Gloria
Jean’s Coffees’ annual Cappuccino for a Cause campaign. More than
$300,000 has been raised for Variety nationally since the partnership
began in 2011, with the most recent promotion held over 18-19 October
expected to have raised a further $180,000. Funds from the recent
promotion will benefit the 2014 Variety Scholarship program nationally.
Cyclists take
on challenge
for charity
A group of likeminded
cyclists rode 240km over
two days from Perth to
Busselton last August, on
a mission to raise funds
for Variety WA.
The group left from the Narrows
Bridge and cycled to Bunbury
where they stayed overnight
before setting off down the
Bussell Highway en route to the
finish at Busselton Jetty.
Beginning in 2010 as a social ride
amongst seven friends, the event
has grown into an annual charity
fundraiser with a team twentystrong. The 2013 crew raised over
$35,000 for Variety, with part
funds raised going to help young
wheelchair athletes through a
partnership with Wheelchair
Sports WA.
ria
ar left) from Glo
Rie Moustakas (f
Gladys Newton
om
fr
en
dr
il
ch
h
it
Jeans w
hael Pailthorpe
Primar y and Mic
ography)
(Photo courtesy
Jeremy Tan Phot
Variety WA welcomes new Patron
Variety – the Children’s Charity of
Western Australia was delighted
to welcome Kerry Sanderson AO
to the role of Patron, taking over
from previous Patron Prof. Fiona
Wood AM.
Speaking about her appointment, Kerry said
she was very pleased to be associated with
Variety, because of the special work it carries
out for WA children in need.
Over 20 cyclists
rode
240km for Variet
y WA
“It is great to have an opportunity to
contribute to Variety WA’s very worthwhile
work in helping children overcome illness,
disability or disadvantage, providing tangible
items such as medical and care equipment,
camps and special support as well as
mobility items like tricycles and wheelchairs
for those with special needs. It is a charity
which brings joy to a number of others which
is wonderful to see.”
ed to announce
Variety WA is delight
its new Patron.
Kerr y Sanderson AO as
pg 9
What's On
Diary
Dates
Variety WA 2014
Gala Ball Under the Stars
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style at the
Variety WA 2014 Gala Ball on Friday,
14 February. Dine under the stars at
Royal Perth Yacht Club with exquisite
food, fine wine, fabulous entertainment
and fireworks display, all overlooking the Swan River and Perth city
skyline. Tickets are $300 per person and can be reserved by calling the
Commercial Properties Group on 9322 7755.
NOVEMBER
Celebrating 15 years of the Variety Youth Choir
1 December 2013
Variety Santa Fun Run
Join the Variety Youth Choir and very
special guest, Beccy Cole on Sunday
9 March 2014 for a family friendly
anniversary concert. Held at the
spectacular Quarry Amphitheatre
in City Beach, the concert will
commemorate 15 years of the Variety
Youth Choir (proudly sponsored by
Killarnee) with guest performances by
Australian country music star Beccy
Cole and an array of past and present Choir members and local Perth
musicians. The concert is being generously underwritten by private donors
Mark Whately and Denise De Marchi, the Brooker family and Alan and
Michelle Linney, with all net funds benefitting Variety WA. Tickets are just
$50 per adult, $25 per child up to 15 years or $130 for a family of four (two
adults, two children) and can be purchased from Ticketmaster on 13 61 00.
Making a splash for WA kids in need
Be a part of a fun filled aquatic adventure on board
the Princess Yachts Variety Splash, 27 February – 4
March 2014. Explore WA’s South West coast and the
turquoise waters of Geographe Bay on this six-day
luxury cruising convoy, complete with entertainment,
fine food and wine, great company and spectacular
scenery. Entry is open to all luxury boat brands
capable of cruising at 20 knots. For more information
contact Brendon Grieve on 9430 5880 or email
[email protected].
Calling all recruits!
Get on board the Variety Creative Car Cruise
“Tour of Duty” 2014, proudly supported by 89s
The Garage Door Specialists! The troops will be
deployed on Friday 21 March for this boutique
travelling ‘show and shine’ through Augusta
and Busselton, finishing on Monday 24 March 2014. Sign up today – speak
to Bill Chidgzey on 9355 3655 or visit the Variety WA website.
pg 10
26 November 2013
Variety WA AGM
DECEMBER
7 December 2013
Paspaley Polo in the City
8 December 2013
Variety WA
Kids Christmas Party
22 December 2013
IGA Carols by Candlelight
FEBRUARY
14 February 2014
Variety WA 2014 Gala Ball
Under the Stars
27 February – 4 March 2014
Princess Yachts Variety Splash
MARCH
7 March 2014
Variety Scholarship
Presentations
9 March 2014
Variety Youth Choir
15th Anniversary Concert
21 – 24 March 2014
Variety Creative Car Cruise
(proudly supported by 89s the
Garage Door Specialists)
APRIL
11 April 2014
Variety of Chefs
(proudly presented by Linneys)
MAY
24 – 31 May 2014
Variety 4WD Challenge
(proudly supported by Coleman)
Thank you
Dear Variety WA,
Variety recently funded a bike for my
son Adam. Adam lives with Juvenile
Parkinson’s and is eight years old. The
joy on Adam’s face when he rode his bike
brought tears to my eyes. He has wanted
to ride like other children for a long time.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart –
you have given Adam a very special gift.
Dear Variety WA,
I have been waiting
to find the right wo
rds to
explain how I feel
about the week we
have just
had but I keep co
ming up short. Ho
w do you
explain the gratitu
de you feel to the
amazing
Kelly Moore, Phil
Croot and all of th
e
speechies
and volunteers fo
r showing us how
to
open
up the world of co
mmunication and
RE
ALLY
have the opportu
nity to get to know
ou
r girl?
We have completel
y changed the wa
y
we
communicating wi
are
th Caitlin as she is
a bit
tricky as her visio
n is so poor. Than
ks to Kelly
Moore and Suzi Br
ooke who put thei
r heads
together and used
their expertise, we
are now
on a path that is ac
hievable for us all
an
d it’s
exciting. Thank yo
u to everyone, it’s
a
we
ek I
will treasure foreve
r xx
Dear Variety WA,
to
r family’s heartfelt thanks
Just wanted to pass on ou
us
ing
giv
anising committee for
all the volunteers and org
.
mp
Ca
the Variety Motor Mouth
the opportunity to attend
st
Mo
ch.
and learned so, so mu
We had an amazing time
Josh’s
pletely different vision of
importantly we have a com
r
Ou
.
g forward with optimism
future now and are lookin
r to
rde
ha
sed and we will work
expectations have been rai
nty
ple
h
wit
a great communicator
make sure that he will be
s in
ion
cis
de
opportunity to make
to say and he will have the
all
you
nk
lot of work to do but tha
his future. There is still a
.
for making it seem possible
Sponsor spotlight Ferngrove Wines
Ferngrove Wines has been a proud sponsor
of Variety WA since 2010.
By providing their award winning wines for consumption
at various events throughout the year, Ferngrove enables
Variety to minimise costs and maximise fundraising results.
In 2013, Ferngrove took their commitment even further
by partnering in the inaugural Variety of Chefs event. As
exclusive wine sponsor, Ferngrove worked with Variety
in the lead up to the event, carefully matching wines to
complement the gourmet menu and engaging their Chief
Winemaker to present selections live on stage on the night.
Over the past four years, Ferngrove has provided well in
excess of $80,000 worth of product across many dozens of
fundraising events. Their in-kind support makes a real and
valuable difference. Thank you!
pg 11
Life changing camp gives
a voice to WA kids
Communicating when you can’t speak can be a big challenge,
but a group of 15 school aged children were given a huge helping
hand when they attended the third annual Variety Motor Mouth
Camp held at Point Walter Reserve from 9-13 October.
The five day school holiday camp
provided intensive assistance for
young people using augmentative and
alternative communication (AAC) aids
and voice output devices.
Over 50 volunteers from various
health professions attend the camp,
many taking annual leave from their
work place to share their expertise.
Parents and siblings were encouraged
to attend full time with each AAC user,
and participated in specially designed
programs to cater for their needs.
Device users received one on one
specialist help and were encouraged
to apply their new communication
skills as they participated in “Where
the Wild Things Are” themed arts
and crafts activities and enjoyed the
Sensorium Theatre performing the
Jub Jub tree. Parents attended group
training sessions on how to get the
most out of their child’s device, whilst
siblings took part in a fun filled program
of adventurous activities. Tears and
laughter flowed freely on the final
morning as everyone said goodbye,
having learned more about the world
of communication and making some
lifelong friends in the process.
Variety WA would like to thank Kelly
Moore, the Motor Mouth Committee,
volunteers, parents, siblings, carers and
of course our wonderful device users
for making this camp so memorable.
The Variety Motor Mouth Camp is made
possible thanks to the generous support
of the Estate Late Harry Leslie Howden
Bequest, managed by Perpetual.
PRINCIPAL PARTNERS
EVENT SPONSORS
PLEASE NOTE: Black background is just to show how embroidery should look on black background material
MAJOR SPONSORS
Much was lea
rnt and lifelo
friendships m
ade at the five ng
day camp
(Photo courte
sy of Jere
my Tan Photog
raphy)
MEDIA PARTNERS
Contact Us
pg 12
Variety - the Children’s Charity
102 Burswood Road, Burswood WA 6100
PO Box 669, Victoria Park WA 6979
p 08 9355 3655 f 08 9355 5122
w varietywa.org.au e [email protected]