Small change set to make a big difference for NSW children in need

Variety – the Children’s Charity NSW/ACT is set to benefit from the Small Change Appeal launched this week at Woolworths supermarkets across New South Wales and the ACT, helping to provide vital services for children who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability.

Throughout October, customers shopping at Woolworths supermarkets in New South Wales and the ACT will have the option to round up their shop at self-checkouts or purchase a $2 Appeal token at serviced checkouts. All of the funds will be donated to Variety to help bolster their Sunshine Coach program, which provides transport for children to access their community and experience a range of special programs and activities they would otherwise be unable to attend.

Woolworths has proudly partnered with Variety NSW/ACT for 10 years, hosting a number of fundraisers in store and online. The small change donations from customers has amounted to a milestone $15 million in funds for the charity.

Variety NSW/ACT CEO, Tony Warner, said:  “Our partnership with Woolworths has been immensely successful, and we are thankful to Woolworths customers who have supported the October fundraising appeal to date. The donations mean we can provide additional support for children in need across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory.

“This has been made possible due to the generosity of Woolworths customers donating their small change, which can have an enormous impact on the lives of the children and families that we support.”

One student who is already benefiting from the Sunshine coach program is Daisy, a 17-year-old student at Anson Street School in Orange NSW, whose school received a Variety Sunshine Coach. Daisy lives with a neurodegenerative condition that affects her mobility, speech, and cognitive ability.

​Daisy’s parents, Anna and Gareth, said: “We knew Anson Street would give Daisy great opportunities that she wouldn’t otherwise get, and the Sunshine Coach is just one example of these opportunities.

“The Variety Sunshine Coach gives children such as Daisy the chance to experience everything that other students can access, and Daisy always comes home feeling confident and ‘bullet proof’ after these experiences.”

Woolworths State General Manager for New South Wales, Matthew Spiteri said: “We are extremely grateful to our customers in New South Wales and the ACT for their generosity. We continue to see strong momentum with the Small Change Appeal from the local community each year which has delivered a huge impact to the children that Variety supports.”

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