Together, we can help kids across our province with special needs and more complex health needs reach their full potential.

Every donation makes a difference. No matter the size of your donation, your generosity ensures that every child has the chance to thrive. The essential programs and resources Variety provides transforms daily realities for children and changes the trajectory of their lives for the better.

Everything we do — every child we help — is made possible thanks to you!

As part of our Heartstrings fundraising campaign, we’ll be stringing together messages of hope & inspiration from our Variety kids, our families and you … our incredible donors.

They say it takes a village to raise a child and that’s especially true for a child with complex needs. And for many families, their child’s support team needs different kinds of trained professionals who are financially out of reach for their family.

That was the case for 12-year-old Isaac and his mom, Sharon. Throughout this campaign, you will meet Isaac & his team and learn about the incredible therapies he’s received to help him thrive.

You can make your gift and write a message using the donation form by clicking the button below to be a part of our Heartstrings campaign!

Meet Isaac

At the age of 6, it was discovered that Isaac was blind in one eye and visually impaired in the other. He has been experiencing severe trauma ever since becoming a target for a school bully who was physically attacking him and because of his vision impairment, Isaac was unable to tell when the bully was coming or to prepare himself for the assault. It was in Grade 2 when Isaac was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia which can present if a person is experiencing trauma. Recently Variety stepped in and has been providing the courageous 12-year-old from Victoria with counselling & music therapy to assist in his recovery.

“If it weren’t for Variety, I probably wouldn’t be able to get the funding to do music therapy and get out all the stress. Music therapy helped me get out my anger, stress, and fear.”

Sharon, Isaac’s Mom 

Everyday, moms are advocating for their children. To the mothers who face unique challenges and care for children with complex health needs, their unwavering determination reminds us that love knows no bounds. Isaac’s Mom, Sharon, recently shared with us the challenges she experienced. “I saw my son go from a happy extrovert child to extremely shut down and not wanting to go to school anymore,” said Sharon. , “It’s hard to do things alone but we can move mountains together.”

Variety has given Isaac the confidence, courage and strength to keep trying and they’ve given me incredible peace of mind. We couldn’t be more grateful!

Meet Kim, Isaac’s Music Therapist

Music is a valuable tool for creative self-expression. It helps kids develop coping skills, decrease anxiety, build a sense of belonging, and feel heard. It was through music therapy that Isaac found peace after being severely bullied at school and experiencing trauma.

As Isaac’s music therapist, Kim Brame at the Victoria Conservatory of Music said, “It can be crucial to have the continuity of the therapy because it takes time to build trust and for kids to feel safe doing therapeutic work. That’s why Variety is so beneficial. It’s huge for kids to be able to continue for as long as they need it.”

And Isaac shared that “I don’t have to talk and the music just takes me a million miles away from my troubles and it brings me back to now.” 

What is Somatic Therapy?

Not only is Variety providing Isaac with music therapy, but did you know he’s also receiving somatic therapy? Somatic therapy is an alternative therapy that focusses on increasing body awareness along with developing ways to cope during challenging or stressful moments.

Isaac’s mom, Sharon shared that “Somatic Therapy is helping Isaac learn how to manage his symptoms including his frequent migraines & change in heart rate which he often experiences because of his trauma. It’s really quite amazing to see. Thank you Variety.”

Variety Donor Message

“I was as moved by Isaac’s story in the email as I was when Isaac told his story on the last Variety Show of Hearts Telethon. I know my donation will go to support kids like Isaac, his family and other children with their needs. I wish all the best!”

                        – Allan, Vancouver

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