Children's charity sees 43% increase in calls for help

Friday 29 June 2018

Children’s charity, Variety, says requests for its help have gone up 43% in the last year, with the total standing at 357 - almost one per day.

The charity says it spent a total of £50,333 in 2017 to support disadvantaged children and those with special needs.

The charity, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, says it receives requests from schools, health visitors, social workers, occupational therapists and other organisations, who work directly with families, on a regular basis. 

Sandra Auckland, Chief Barker, explained that while many of the requests are for basic needs, the charity sometimes has to fund specialist equipment. "Mostly, we receive requests for food, clothing and shoes. We also help with uniforms for primary school - they are so expensive now and Education only helps with secondary school.

"We also help purchase specialist equipment for children, such as special trikes, buggies, beds or wheelchairs."

Pictured: Variety wants all children to have the same opportunities. 

Variety also help families with extra curricular activities. "We help with school trips if they can't afford sending their child. It is really important to us that all children have the opportunity to enjoy these."

In addition to supporting children, Variety also funds projects in schools. This year, they are aiming to build an outdoor seating area at St. Peter's School for children to enjoy the sunshine. They are also planning more facilities at Bel Royal.

Pictured: Variety also funds projects in schools for all children.

As Mrs Auckland explains, fundraising is critical for the charity. While they are grateful to all of those who have supported Variety over the years, they always need more. "We have been able to help so many individuals during this time and everything we have achieved has been possible thanks to the generosity of islanders," she said. 

"Unfortunately, our work is not complete," she added. "As we heard from a speech given by the States of Jersey CEO, Charlie Parker, there are still around 300 children in the Island who come from families who are not able to give them breakfast in the morning or buy their school uniforms.

"We rely entirely on the generosity of Islanders and our patrons to continue to support our children and any offers of help will be received with open arms, whether you
want to become a member, fundraise, volunteer or donate. The only people more grateful than the team at Variety, will be the local children whose lives will be
improved."

Pictured: All of Variety's activities are funded through donations.

The charity, which is building its first ever float for the Battle of Flowers as the event's chosen charity, is urging islanders to get involved in any way they can. People can help build and decorate the float, which will celebrate the charity's 50th anniversary or take to the skies as part of a charity skydive on 31 August. They can also buy tickets for the charity's annual ball on 23 November at the Horizon.

"It is so important to us what we do," Mrs Auckland. "We are fundraising all the time and always need people to help us help children."