Because all children deserve the same opportunities in life.
All children should be able to follow their dreams and be the best they can be. Each year, thousands of children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, get support from Variety the Children’s Charity when they need it most.
Our History
Eleven men involved in the show business industry meet each week at a social club named “Variety Club”. On Christmas Eve, a baby girl is left abandoned on the club’s doorstep at the Sheridan Square Film Theatre in Pittsburgh with a note which reads:
Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. I have always heard of the goodness of showbusiness people and pray to God that you will look after her. Signed, a heartbroken mother.”
Despite an extensive search, the mother is never found. The men informally adopt the baby and name her Catherine Variety Sheridan. They go on to pay for the Catherine’s education and upbringing. This prompts the club to start raising funds for other disadvantaged children and Variety – the Children’s Charity is born.
Since its inception in Australia in 1975, Variety – the Children’s Charity has proudly supported children and families across Australia who are sick, disadvantaged, or living with a disability. As we celebrate 50 years of impact, we take a look back at the milestones that have shaped our journey.
Founded on
Founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1928
Variety Australia is founded in Sydney!
As a tribute to the show business origins of Variety, offices are referred to as ‘Tents’ and Chairmen are Chief Barkers.
First Board Chairs.
Paul Hogan of Crocodile Dundee fame was the first Board Chair (Chief Barker). HRH King Charles III (then Prince Charles) becomes first Australian patron – a role he continues to hold today.
First ever Sunshine Coach delivered.
Named as the gave kids the opportunity to get out into the “sunshine” in their community.
The Ladies of Variety committee.
The Ladies of Variety committee is founded, holding the inaugural Children’s Christmas Party in Sydney.
Derryn Hinch sketches a logo featuring the now iconic heart and hat, symbolising the show business origins of Variety and caring for our children. The logo is adopted by Variety Australia.
Variety Gold Heart.
HRH King Charles (then Prince Charles) wore a Variety Gold Heart on a tour of Queensland and presented a wheelchair on Variety’s behalf.
Regional Committees are founded.
Regional committees are founded in each of Australia’s mainland capital cities.
The Variety Bash was born and quickly becomes an incredibly successful charity event.
Dick Smith invites his mates for “a drive in the bush” to raise funds for Variety and The Variety Bash was born.
Variety volunteers celebrate raising a record $1 million in annual revenue.
Variety partners with McDonalds.
Variety, in partnership with McDonalds and Ronald McDonald House Charities, launched McHappy Day, which raised significant income.
Woolworths sponsor the Variety Gold Heart campaign.
Raising over $1 million!
HRH King Charles (then Prince Charles) presented 5 Sunshine Coaches in Launceston.
The 1st national “Heart to Heart Bash” is run.
Six separate Bash’s travelling at the same time meet up and celebrate the impact of these events at Uluru.
Variety Gold Heart Day raises over $1.2M.
Celebration of 25 years of Variety in Australia.
Dr Andrew Berry, Variety Bash volunteer and medic, named Humanitarian of the Year at the Variety Heart Awards.
Variety National Giving Day raises over $1.3M.
Variety celebrated 35 years in Australia!
Lake Macquarie Variety Playground (Speers Point), 1st all-ability playground, is awarded Best Play Space.
Woolworths becomes a major partner in NSW/ACT.
Variety Bash celebrates turning 30!
Variety celebrates 40th year in Australia with a children’s party at Taronga Zoo attended by then Prime Minister.
Variety delivers its 1300th Sunshine Coach in Australia.
Woolworth raises over $15 Million for Variety NSW/ACT.
The Variety Bash celebrates turning 40!
2025
Variety – the Children’s Charity celebrates 50 years of supporting children in Australia, having raised $700 million to date to assist children and their families.
Need more information?
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