Our motivation
Our motivationIn 2015 Variety Tasmania embarked on a wonderful journey of discovery with strategic partner Shiploads. The objective was to work together in devising a community-focused initiative that could not only raise funds for and awareness of Variety Tasmania, but could also inspire the involvement of the entire Shiploads Crew comprising over 300 employees.
The Variety Monster Book Fair was born!
From these early discussions it became apparent that combining skills of this leading Tasmanian retail organisation with the staff and volunteers of Variety Tasmania would lead to huge success for all concerned.
During the month of May people were invited to donate pre-loved books, DVDs, CDs, games and puzzles for the Variety Monster Book Fair by taking them to their local Shiploads store. These treasures were then collated and packed by the Shiploads store crews and transported to the Shiploads Dry Dock. From there, Variety staff and volunteers quality checked the items and sorted them into categories for sale.
No sooner was this complete, the first Fair took place.
Encouraged by the public response through the collection phase, several Shiploads Crew volunteered to help during the Fair and associated suppliers of Shiploads offered their services to transport the goods to and from the venue.
This first event attracted over 3,000 visitors and generated fundraising revenue in excess of $35,000. Since then, two further Fairs have followed bringing the total raised to date to more than $76,000!
This first event attracted over 3,000 visitors and generated fundraising revenue in excess of $35,000. Since then, two further Fairs have followed bringing the total raised to date to more than $76,000!
This equates to
To provide an insight into the difference Shiploads’ support has made to our Tasmanian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs, this equates to;
- 80 IPADs- to be used as communication devices for children who are non-verbal, or
- 63 Dynamic Orthosis Suits- providing support and enhanced mobility to children. i.e. spinal injuries or Cerebral Palsy, or
- 50 Variety Scholarships- helping children realise their dreams in the arts, sports, music or business, or
- 12.5 Motorised Wheel Chairs- providing greater mobility, or
- 8 Insulin Pumps- returning the quality of life to children normally dependant on 4 injections a day to manage diabetes, or
- 1.4 Sunshine Coaches- connecting kids in need with their communities around them.
For Shiploads, the Variety Monster Book Fair project achieved a number of goals.
- All Crew could be involved in the project in some way, whether that be in the stores, at Shiploads Office Support (SOS) or within the Dry Dock.
- The timeframe for involvement was defined and in keeping with Shiploads’ calendar of operations.
- A significant level of community engagement was achieved for Shiploads directly during the book collection phase.
- The initiative provided tangible objectives for everyone to work to and measurable outcomes that could be communicated throughout the organisation.
- The project motivated a number of Crew to extend their involvement by personally connecting with Variety Tasmania and becoming volunteers in their free time.