Variety Club of Jersey

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Annual Review 2009

Variety News

Chief Barker's Report


It seems that it was only yesterday that I took over as Chief Barker and even though I have held this position before, it still amazes me how generous the Islanders are in not only supporting the Variety Club but the many other charities in the Island. What an enjoyable year it has been.

We have continued to meet all the numerous requests which have come to Variety and that without doubt is due to the hard work of the Crew, the Ladies of Variety and all the helpers who give their time so generously without whom we would not be so successful in helping the many needy children of our Island. Grateful thanks also to our generous sponsors.

This year we were the designated charity of the Battle of Flowers and several families enjoyed the tremendous day and evening parades as guests of Variety. Sandra Auckland, Team Variety, the helpers and children did a great job in letting people know what we do. We continue to run our ongoing fundraisers, Grand National Day, numerous lunches including the successful Race Day held at Les Landes, the Bowling Challenge, Down Your Way Walks, Three Bells Walk, Christmas Collections and the very popular Gold Hearts Campaign. A new initiative this year is the Variety Calendar of various schools who we have helped to provide equipment and mini buses and we hope it will be a great success. Not forgetting our grateful thanks go to the entertainers who work for Variety and give their time for free.

When you read the Variety at Work report many of you will be surprised at the amount of children who do not share in the wealth of the Island and it is our purpose is to try and support these needy families. Many of the basic necessities of life are provided by Variety such as shoes, clothes, food and the list goes on. We continue to provide entertainment to many children and once again the "I Served the Kids" BBQ party was a great success. The grown ups had a great time too!

We have provided a Trim Trail for Trinity School which was opened by Valerie Ridgway, wife of the Governor His Excellency Andrew Ridgway; major funding of over £100,000 for Trinity Youth Centre; help with equipment for the Special Gymnastics Club; Oakwell Respite Home swimming pool repairs; help for the Sailing Trust to keep Spirit of Variety on the sea as much as possible; so that as many children as possible can utilise it during the summer. We have also made a donation to Brighter Futures at the Bridge and a Sunshine coach for D'Auvergne school.

However none of this would have been possible without my fantastic Crew for all their energy, enthusiasm and help; Sylvia Denney our Lady President and her team for their dedication to children. Finally also a mention to our excellent team at the office Carole and Sonia. My thanks go to you all.

I wish all at Variety good health and happiness for the years to come and let us all continue to help the disabled and needy children and try and make life better for them.


Robyn Lapidus
Chief Barker

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