Making a difference
Our Variety Bash Rookies Day Out – where first time entrants get together with past entrants, staff and event officials to experience a day on the Variety Bash before we hit the outback roads in August (after 2 loooong years!) will see not one, not two, but THREE Variety grants thanks to the incredible fundraising of our entrants!
Wantirna’s three-year-old Clem – who loves toys and reading books with her mum – is just one lucky recipient. Clem lives with a rare and degenerative genetic disorder as well as Cerebral Palsy and Epilepsy which makes her at high risk of falling when she tries to get out of a standard bed. Clementine also likes to mouth objects and to be allowed to freely wander increases her risk of choking. Variety funded a special Courtney Bed at a cost of $13,308 that will keep Clementine safe from injuries while also allowing family members a good night sleep not having to worry about her wellbeing.
Later in the day, Jan Doull from Neerim District Secondary College was on hand to receive $5,329 worth of camping equipment to help their students from low socio-economic backgrounds with out-of-school adventure programs and small group educational camps to encourage teamwork, respect, leadership and confidence.
A local Drouin family was also in attendance to receive a special Variety grant for their daughter Stevie. Stevie loves being out and about in nature but due to mobility issues this is often a challenge. Stevie lives with Rhett Syndrome, a degenerative condition that causes progressive loss of motor skills and speech. Thanks to the fundraising of the Variety Bash entrants, Stevie was presented with a Kool Stride Jogger – a $4,000 lightweight all-terrain buggy that provides her with the opportunity to mobilise on all terrains and environments. The special buggy has large wheels that enable the stroller to be pushed on a variety of outdoor surfaces including gravel, grass, bushwalks, beaches and farms. Her teacher says, “Stevie is a delightful little girl who has been a part of our school community since her prep year in 2020. Stevie loves being outdoors whenever she can be. She enjoys the feeling of fresh air and being included in the same activities as her able-bodied community.”
Variety – the Children’s Charity is thrilled to make this a possibility for Stevie thanks to the fundraising of the Variety Bash entrants.
