Variety join forces to deliver 100 bags of basics to 100 families for the next 4 weeks

In partnership with the Jersey Consumer Council and Alliance Supermarket, Variety Jersey are delighted to be facilitating the delivery of 400 Bags of Basics to families in need across the Island.

The donation by Variety aims to provide families with some essential items that will help them through the week. 100 families will each receive a Bag of Basics every week for the next 4 weeks.

The Bag of Basics initiative was recently launched by Alliance Supermarket and the Jersey Consumer Council with each bag containing items including Tesco and other branded products such as baked beans, bacon, milk and toilet rolls.

Nicky de Veulle, Finance Director for Alliance Supermarket commented: "We are so pleased to be able to facilitate this generous donation from Variety Jersey. Reaching out to and supporting those in need in the local community is one of our priorities during this crisis and together with the other initiatives we are doing we hope that this will bring a small amount of relief during this difficult time".

Chris Robin of Variety Jersey commented: "Our work at Variety has always involved helping the vulnerable children of Jersey families within our community. We are extremely grateful for the assistance that Alliance Supermarket is giving to help us to continue to provide support during this challenging period".

"300 Club" Draw Results for April 2020

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.