Variety - The Children's Charity of Victoria

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation empowering children 0-18 years who face chronic illness, disability or disadvantage. We help children achieve their full potential, regardless of ability or background.

We recognise that gaps exist in our government and community health, education, and disability services that translate to children going without. In Victoria:
– 1 in 6 children live in poverty. So, Variety assists families with grants and scholarships for their kids in education, sports and the arts. Our reach extends across the state as we know there is a greater need in regional areas.
– 25 of the 40 most disadvantaged communities are found outside Melbourne, and 6 in 10 areas of the most extreme disadvantage are found in metropolitan Melbourne. Accordingly, Variety targets community grants to support these locations and organises local fundraising events to financially support those communities where possible.
– 5% of communities account for ~33% of indicators of disadvantage meaning disadvantage is concentrated in a small number of communities within Victoria. As a result, Variety creates an inclusive Events and Activities Calendar to provide opportunities for learning, inclusion and connection for access by these communities.
– 7 % of children live with a disability (over 90,000). So, Variety supports children and families with tangible equipment, not covered by NDIS, provides school programs for children with learning and language disabilities (not funded by education), and grows inclusion by funding things such as all-ability playgrounds and Sunshine Coaches.
– 10-15% of children live with a chronic illness. So, Variety provides essential medical and health equipment, assistance dogs and wigs which are not funded by Medicare or NDIS.

Variety fills gaps both locally and regionally. We research need and work to meet the gaps when others can’t or when there are long wait times for urgently required equipment.

Often referred to as the ‘Variety family’ by those we help, our families know we are there for them as their children’s needs change over the years. We pride ourselves on being approachable, caring, and inventive. In 2024, we are seeking to launch a Variety Future Leaders Program for all our grant and scholarship recipients, to further nurture their talents to become future leaders, advocates and employees.

In 2023, Variety Victoria impacted 17,010 children through grants, programs, and scholarships.

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