Variety at Work in March 2020

In this very unusual month of March, we have received very few requests for help from families, Health Visitors and Family Support Workers for food, clothes, shoes and baby items. Although we advised all these agencies that we are here to help and calls and emails will be answered, very few requests have come in.

The totals for the month were 9 families with 17 children amounting to £1,301.30. The totals for the six months of this financial year are 106 families with 228 children amounting to £29,018.72.

Variety Office closes until further notice

We have considered the Government's guidance on Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and, as a result, have now taken the decision to close the Variety Office until further notice. With the current situation escalating rapidly, it is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the health and safety of Carole, Sonia, our members and our visitors.

We will of course continue to monitor calls and emails remotely and respond as soon as we can. We will monitor the on-going local guidance as and will update you further as and when the Office will re-open.

Variety cancels ‘Young Star of the Year’ Awards 2020

In light of the recent developments concerning Covid-19, Variety, the Children’s Charity of Jersey has taken the decision to cancel the ‘Young Star of the Year’ Awards ceremony due to take place in June. Variety will continue to monitor the situation and take the advice from the Government of Jersey and if possible the event will be rescheduled for later in the year. This is the first time the awards, that celebrate courage, creativity and commitment of children and young people in Jersey, have had to be cancelled since they started in 2011.

Sandra Auckland, Chairman of the Young Star event, says: ‘It is our responsibility to do what we can to ensure that the most vulnerable people on the Island are protected. Variety have considered this very carefully and whilst we are really sad to have to cancel such a wonderful event, we feel that it is the best and most sensible decision at this time. We hope that it will be possible to reschedule but will only do this if we can be certain that it is safe to do so.’

Variety at Work - February 2020

In February we received the usual requests via Health Visitors, Family Support Workers and applications direct to the Office for food, clothes, shoes and baby items.

We bought a cot bed, mattress and stroller. We also paid for 2 days sport camp, bunk beds and carpet.

The totals for the month were 15 families with 33 children amounting to £3,544.21 and this amount includes costs for installation at the Bel Royal project of £2,116. The totals for the five months of this financial year are 97 families with 211 children amounting to £27,717.42.

“Charity is Compassion in Action” by Efrosyni Hobbs

This canvas is titled "Charity is Compassion in Action" and has been made by Efrosyni Hobbs using charity badges including Variety’s Gold Heart pin.

Efrosyni began work on it in 2016 and it has taken this long to complete as she is not in good health. She said that the project had kept her going!

“It certainly lifts my spirits and I have learnt a lot about the various charities whose pin badges I have used”, she said.

❤ Variety '300 Club' - January 2020 Draw Results ❤

A huge congratulations to the winners!! Remember to purchase your tickets for the next draw in February from the Variety Office! You can email us at admin@varietyjersey.org.je or call us on (01534) 856937 for more information.