Variety - The Children’s Charity of British Columbia

So You Think You Can Sing?

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:03:00 -0800

Are you between 13 and 29? Were you born to sing? Enter Variety's Got Talent presented by Coast Capital Savings and you could be BC's next singing sensation!

Send us your online audition video from now until January 15^thand you could be one of the 10 finalists performing at the River Rock Show Theatre in Richmond on February 3^rd for a panel of celebrity and industry judges.

The winner will appear on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon, February 11^th & 12^th on Global BC and receive an amazing Tom Lee Music package! The final 10 all receive a $50 Tom Lee voucher too!

Audition videos should be 2-3 minutes long, sung acapella, to track or with acoustic guitar. Videos will be judged by music producer Su Bailey and Sam Feldman & Associates.

What are you waiting for?

Singing not really your thing but you think this sounds pretty cool and you want to see what BC's top undiscovered singers sound like? Get your tickets for the Variety's Got Talent Finals for just $10 + service charges! Get yours now on Ticketmaster!

You can also check out Variety's Got Talent on Facebook and Twitter and stay up to date with all things VGT!

BC Bowls for Kids Media Day

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:51:00 -0800

BC BOWLS FOR KIDS MEDIA DAY
By Lexa Betson, Special Events Coordinator

The 26^th Annual BC Bowls for Kids Campaign begins in just a few days on December 1^st. To celebrate the launch and kick start this exciting fundraising campaign, Variety gathered members of the media at Vancouver’s Varsity Ridge Bowling Centre for BC Bowls for Kids Media Day.

In total, more than 60 people showed up, including teams from 100.5 The Peak, BCIT’s Evolution 107.9, Global BC, JRFM, KVOS, and The Vancouver Courier. Throughout the afternoon, teams bowled, laughed and had an all around good time. At the end of the day, The Vancouver Courier Team was victorious in the Bingo Bowl event and Evolution 107.9 was named the overall Media Day Champions. Thanks to Varsity Ridge Bowling Centre, Bowl BC, and all of the participants for making this event a success.

To find out how YOU can participate, visit our BC Bowls page. All you have to do is sign up, collect pledges and bowl for the kids. Your pledges help Variety – The Children’s Charity inspire hope, enrich lives and build a better future for children who have special needs.

View more pictures from BC Bowls for Kids Media Day on our Flickr site.

Hold an Event for Variety!

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 13:27:00 -0800

The Insurance Institute of BC has held Events for Variety for the last two years with their Battle of the Bands event every winter. Each band includes at least one person in the insurance industry playing Blues and Rock and Roll in a friendly competition to raise money for Variety.

The event was created to be a fun industry networking event while raising money for a great charity -Variety. It is promoted to the insurance industry, but attendees are able to bring friends and family.

They chose Variety as they wanted to pick a local charity and were impressed with how many children are helped which in turn touches many others.

The event has raised close to $25,000 for Variety over the last two years. Thanks IIBC! Looking forward to next year!

Long Time Volunteer Honoured

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 14:28:00 -0800

This is what Jean had to say about receiving this award...

When Maureen, our treasured Variety Volunteer Manager, told me I was to receive the "Hey Rube" award I simply thought it was one given out periodically to volunteers to encourage them to keep showing up for events. When I foud out that this wasn't the case, but that it was a special and prestigious award, I thought why me? It was a very humbling experience.

Maureen sent me a list of all the various jobs I had done over the last few years and even I was impressed! But what a lot of fun and enjoyment I've had along the way - and all for a good cause! I have met so many nice and incredible people. The Variety staff, the board members, the other volunteers, the wonderful donors, and of course, the children.

I began my volunteering as a child in England during World War II, selling poppies, primroses, lifeboat flags and all the other tokens worn in lapels on special days throughout the year. Later, I volunteered with Brownies and Girl Guides, selling cookies and eventually helping lead a troop.

When I managed to gain a spot answering phones for the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon, I was hooked! It has been, and continues to be, a great ride. That is why I always encourage present volunteers to continue volunteering and those who are thinking about it to give it a try. You meet wonderful people and have the opportunity to give back to those who need it most - children who have special needs and their families.

Thank you for choosing me to receive this award. What an honour!

Jean List
June 2011

Jean receives her "Hey Rube" Award from Variety President, Dave McConachie.

Career Opportunities with Variety

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:15:00 -0800

Variety - The Children's Charity is currently looking for a Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinatior as well as a Database Assistant. We are looking for dynamic and passionate individuals who are committed to Variety's mission of inspiring hope, enriching lives and building a better future for children who have special needs in this province.

Visit our Career Opportunities page for more information on each position and how you can become a part of one of British Columbia's oldest and most respected children's charities.

A Day in the Life...

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:15:00 -0800

Spring has nearly sprung, and with that comes an influx of Variety events. As a Special Events Coordinator, I am often asked about my job. So I thought I would take the opportunity to shed some light on a day in the life of a Special Events Coordinator at Variety – The Children’s Charity.

At any given time, I could be working on a number of events from Radiothons to Boat for Hope to E4V (Events for Variety), but right now I am in the thick of planning one of my favourites – Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch. Event day -- April 10^th -- is a mere three and a half weeks away, and excitement is building.

Food Fight brings together some of BC’s great chefs who will prepare a brunch dish for event guests. It is then the guests who will sample, judge, vote and ultimately crown one chef the Food Fight champ.

Today, my morning starts with a cup of coffee and a date with my emails. When you are continually sending out invitations to participate, requests for auction and raffle items, and logistical questions to the venue, an onslaught of responses await each day.

Then it’s time for a quick department meeting (did you know that Variety has three Special Events Coordinators and a Special Events Manager to look after the many fundraisers and events that take place each year?). We meet weekly to brainstorm, discuss ideas and generally help each other out. Today, I am looking for suggestions of places to approach for raffle items – the team comes up with some great ideas. Back to my desk to turn those ideas into reality.

Following a quick lunch of soup, sandwich and crossword puzzle, it’s time to get back at it. I must chase some information from the participating chefs and complete some paperwork for event permit applications. Then I’m off to the venue (the beautiful Terminal City Club in downtown Vancouver) for a site inspection. Today we are looking at room layout – where will everything go? How will it fit? Will it flow? Are the enough electrical outlets? And so on. Good news: Everything is coming together as planned.

I may be biased, but I think this is going to be a fantastic event.

Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch will be held at The Terminal City Club on April 10^th, 2011. Tickets are $45 each and available online at www.variety.bc.ca/foodfight.htm. All proceeds benefit Variety – The Children’s Charity.

This event wouldn’t be possible without the support of our presenting sponsor, MarketPlace IGA, our print media sponsor, The Georgia Straight, the participating restaurants, and auction and raffle donors.

Hope to see you there!

Lexa Betson. Variety Special Events Coordinator

Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:06:00 -0800

Calling all foodies! Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch is back for the second year in a row! BC's finest restaurants, including Market by Jean-Georges, O'Doul's Restaurant & Bar, Terminal City Club, Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Resort, YEW restaurant + bar, will be at the Terminal City Club in Vancouver preparing fresh brunch dishes right in front of your eyes! Emceed once again by Fred Lee, Food Fight also features a fab silent and live auction featuring items from LIFT Bar & Grill, Skoah, Cookworks, Mink Chocolates, Sea Cider Farm & Ciderhouse, "T", and much more.

Join us on April 10th for this unique event. Click here for more info.

45th Annual Show of Hearts Telethon

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 09:29:00 -0800

The 2011 Variety Show of Hearts Telethon was a great success this past weekend, raising $7,012,483 for kids in BC who have special needs!

A huge thank you to all of our incredible donors and volunteers who made this fabulous event happen. We could not do it without out you! Your support means so much.

Variety Really Has Got Talent!

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:39:00 -0800

Variety – The Children’s Charity has found their winner! Close to 300 entrants, aged 13 to 29, from every corner of the province, entered online over the last two weeks. The top 11 finalists were brought to Vancouver where they had the chance of a lifetime to perform before a live audience at the Red Robinson Show Theatre on Friday, February 4^th.

The evening’s emcee, Great Canadian Casinos Howard Blank, summed up the night when he said that each finalist had experienced an event that they could learn from and take something with them into the next stage of their musical careers. There was fierce competition on the night, following a day of fun which included lunch at the White Spot Panorama in Surrey, a sound check at the theatre and having their makeup done by Mac makeup artists and their hair styled by students from Blanche MacDonald Centre.

After 15 minutes of deliberations, the panel of celebrity and industry judges announced Fort Langley resident, Shylo Sharity, 22, as the winner. Shylo has toured with the group Winter Harp, won the Walnut Grove Idol contest at her high school and appeared as a singer in the series Dead Like Me. A communications major at Trinity Western University, this singer/songwriter is destined for greatness! Judge BJ Cook summed up her performance of 'The Story' by saying “I like everything about you - even your name is cool! You remind me of the amazing Dolly Parton - you are a great performer, I loved you”.

Shylo currently works at Purdy's Chocolates but Judge Dal Richards feels she's made for the stage. Shylo will introduce a video of her performance during the 2011 Variety Show of Hearts Telethon which airs February 12^th and 13^th on Global BC. Shylo will be live on air Saturday, February 12^th.

Congrats Shylo! All 11 finalists were truly incredible - so much talent right here in British Columbia!

Variety's Got Talent!

Mon, 10 Jan 2011 16:01:00 -0800

Enter the province wide search for BC’s best vocalist and you could win an opportunity of a lifetime!

The Winner of Variety's Got Talent will appear on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon on Global BC, February 12th and 13th. They will also have the opportunity to perform at one of the Great Canadian Casino's BC venues and receive a gift certificate from Tom Lee Music.

All you need to do is send us a video of you singing recorded via video camera, smart phone or other digital device! Applicants must be between 13 and 29.

How to Enter:

- Record a 2-3 minute video of you performing a song of your choice (recorded on a video camera, smart phone or digital device)

- Submit a short bio (max 50 words) about yourself as an artist and a headshot photo taken within the last 12 months

- Entry deadline is Midnight (PST) on Monday, January 24th.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!

GoodNews.com Gives Back To Variety!

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:11:00 -0800

GoodNews.com, Vancouver’s socially conscious daily deal site, is partnering with Variety - The Children’s Charity from January 5^th to February 6^th. During that time, when you visit GoodNews.com, not only will you find amazing discounts on the best things to eat, see and do in Vancouver, but a portion of all sales will also be donated to Variety! Since launching in July, GoodNews.com has raised over $30,000 for local non-profits in Greater Vancouver. This is the perfect way to support local businesses, save money and help give back to local causes at the same time!

Visit www.goodnews.com/vancouver for more info and to grab these great deals!

Gold Hearts, Country Music and Bowling for the Kids!

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 12:12:00 -0800

With Christmas right around the corner, a Variety Gold Heart Pin is a perfect stocking stuffer! Pins are $3 each and available for purchase in quantities of 25. This is the 21st year of the Gold Hearts, a campaign that has raised over $100 million worldwide! This year's pin features Yogi Bear - remember him? Yogi Bear even has a new movie coming out on December 17th! Make sure to check it out! To order Gold Heart pins or to learn more call 1.800.381.2040 or click here.

Variety is very excited to announce Country Rocks: Girls Edition! It's a brand new fundraising event featuring five incredible country music acts from around British Columbia: AJ Woodworth, Whiskey Jane, Karen Lee Batten, Emily Taylor Adams and The Higgins! Country Rocks is coming to Boone County in Coquitlam on Sunday, March 6th, 2011. Tickets are $37.50 (plus service charge) and available at clubzone.com or in person at Boone County at 801 Brunette Avenue, Coquitlam. Please note this event is 19+. Tickets to Country Rocks would make a great gift this year for the country music lover in your family!

Finally, BC Bowls for Kids is back again for it's 25th anniversary year! Time to dust off the ol' bowling shoes and bowl for the kids. Whether you are a pro or only get gutter balls, this is a great way to get involved in a fundraiser in your community and have a great time. Get some friends together and put your own unique spin on the classic holiday party! Click here for more information or call 1.800.381.2040.

Scare Affair Haunted House

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 13:45:00 -0800

What are you doing this Halloween? We suggest that you get ready to be scared! Come down to the Scare Affair Haunted House in Vancouver and we promise you will be terrified! Minimum donation is $10 and partial proceeds benefit Variety - The Children's Charity.

Dates & Times:
October 15th - October 31st

Mondays - Thursdays: 3:30pm - 10:00pm
Fridays: 3:30pm - 11:00pm
Saturdays: 1:00pm - 11:00pm
Sundays: 1:00pm - 10:00pm
Sunday, October 31st: 1:00pm - Midnight

Location:

281 Industrial Avenue, Vancouver (near Terminal)

Click HERE for a map of the location.

We are also looking for volunteers for the event! Click HERE for more info!

Shore2Shore Homecoming Party

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 11:00:00 -0800

Shore2Shore, White Rock’s own dedicated group of fundraising fire fighters, are currently en route back home after beginning a cross country cycling trek across Canada, all to raise money for Variety – The Children’s Charity. The team began their ride in Halifax, Nova Scotia on September 8^th and despite some RV and bike issues as well as many rainy and windy days, the fire fighters have maintained incredible spirits and are enjoying every minute of their ride.

This unbelievable group will begin its final day of riding from Hope to White Rock, on September 21^st and is expected back in White Rock at 2:30pm. The public is invited to come out to a fantastic homecoming event beginning at 2pm in the parking lot between the Pier and the White Rock museum on Marine Drive. Festivities will include a performance by former Top 10 Canadian Idol contestant, Karen Lee Batten and a BBQ lunch by donation. Catherine Ferguson, Mayor of White Rock and MLA Gordon Hogg will also be on hand to welcome the team home as will local businesses.

Bring your friends, family and donations for the cause!

For updates on Shore2Shore’s ride, visit their blog at http://wrfrcharity.blogspot.com.

Kids Coin Drive for Variety

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:20:00 -0800

The 9th annual Kids Coin Drive for Variety launched yesterday at the Variety offices in Burnaby! It was an incredible day - 9 of the families involved in the Coin Drive came out to share stories and fundraising tips. After the press conference, families and other attendees enjoyed a BBQ lunch in the sunshine and a performance by up and coming country singer AJ Woodworth.

Thanks to everyone who came together to make the day possible!

Help out these Coin Kids raise money for Variety by dropping off your coins at any MarketPlace IGA, BMO or Chevron around BC or at a host of other locations. You can also donate online. Click here for more info!

Photo: Heartly, Coin Kid Mackenzie and singer AJ Woodworth

Hop on in Hope!

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 11:54:00 -0800

This September, a group of dedicated White Rock Fire Fighters from Local 2407 will be cycling from Halifax, Nova Scotia to White Rock, BC to raise funds for Variety! They will ride in a relay format and plan to complete the tour in less than two weeks. From now until their ride, the fire fighters from Local 2407 will be raising money by collecting pledges for their ride.

Now you can be a part of the ride and Hop on in Hope! The Shore2Shore team is looking for other cyclists to ride the last leg of the trek with them, a 140km ride from Hope to White Rock. The Hope to White Rock ride will be on the final day of riding, Tuesday, September 21st. Start time will be 10am and is expected to finish by 4pm.

Participants should be experienced cyclists and able to maintain a pace of 25 km an hour. There will be brief stops every hour as well as a police escort the entire way to ensure the safety of all riders.

There are several options to get involved and join the ride. All levels of donors starting at $1,000, will receive a custom jersey and the opportunity to ride with the team. Donors of $2,500 and up qualify for the following women’s or men’s road bike: $2,500 – Allez X3/Dolce X3, $5,000 – Allez Sport/Dolce Sport V, $7,500 – Ruby Elite/Roubaix C2, $10,000 – Amira Comp /Tarmac, $50,000+ – Amira/Tarmac SL3 DA.

Interested cyclists must register by September 6th by contacting Tara Kurtz, Variety Special Events Coordinator at 604.320.0505 or tara.kurtz@variety.bc.ca. All proceeds go directly to Variety. The ride from Hope is supported by Specialized and Peninsula Cycles in White Rock.

Courtenay Radiothon

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:00:00 -0800

The 2nd Annual Courtenay/Campbell River Variety Children's Radiothon raised an amazing $32,008 (thousands more than last year!) for kids in the area who have special needs! A huge thank you to all of the donors, sponsors and volunteers who made this event the success that it was! See you next year!

Food Fight raises thousands!

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:30:00 -0800

A huge thank you to the droves of foodies who came down to the Vancouver Convention Centre yesterday for Variety’s newest fundraiser, Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch. It was incredible to see everyone coming together for such a great cause, not to mention the delicious food! Six Chefs from some our favourite restaurants participated in the event, bringing their best brunch dishes along with them. Contending for the top prize were LIFT Bar & Grill, MARKET at Shangi-La, O'Douls Restaurant and Bar, River Rock Casino Resort, Tight-Na-Mara Seaside Resort and YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Chef Eric Edwards of Tigh-Na-Mara in Parksville, with his delectable Warm Nanoose Edibles Spinach Salad and Sweet Potato Waffle with Pecan Compote, was declared the Food Fight Champ! Chef Oliver Beckert of YEW Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel was the runner up with a very tasty Crab and Poached Egg Sandwich and Donuts with Small Quenelle of Chocolate Mascarpone.

Vancouver (and Variety) favourite, Fred Lee, did a fabulous job as emcee and auctioneer. The event raised over $38,000 with almost $12,000 brought in through the live and silent auction alone.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, MarketPlace IGA, the Vancouver Convention Centre and Flower Box as well as all of the participating restaurants, Emcee Fred Lee, Ray Shum of Tempest Photo and the dozens of volunteers who helped the event run so smoothly!

We will definitely be back next year!

Prince George Radiothon

Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:32:00 -0800

The Variety Children's Radiothon in Prince George has raised an incredible $45,063 in two days! What a supportive community. Thanks Prince George - all funds raised at the Radiothon will stay in your community to support children who have special needs and local organizations. Way to go!

Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch!

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 10:49:00 -0800

Food Fight! The Battle for Brunch, Variety's newest fundraiser, is coming up Sunday, June 27th at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The Executive Chefs from your favourite restaurants will be there so make sure you are too! Enjoy the delicious brunch offerings of each of the 8 chefs and bid on fantastic live and silent auction items. It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and all proceeds benefit Variety!

Get your tickets now by clicking here or calling 604.320.0505.