2008 Variety Mini Bash Launched

Media release
12 September 2008

2008 Variety Mini Bash Launched

Over 400 local school children, Variety Bash teams and invited guests enjoyed a colorful and quirky breakfast this morning as the 2008 Variety Mini Bash officially launched from Vector Arena in Auckland.

MC'd by Variety Ambassador Mark Wright, guests included Karen Olsen and Studio2 presenters from TVNZ who signed autographs, while Olympic athletes Mahe Drysdale and Juliette Haigh were swamped by children wanting to see Mahe's Olympic medal.

Special characters including Elmo, Alvin and the Chipmunks and Ronald McDonald also took part in the fun filled morning.

After leaving Vector Arena the Variety Bash travelled through Waitakere City and the Rodney district visiting schools enroute before stopping in Whangarei to present a cheque to a family for outdoor play equipment.

Nine year-old Alice Cove-Smith, who has cerebral palsy, accepted the cheque on behalf of her brother Samuel who has autism and thanked Variety for helping her brother.

"Thanks so much Variety for this cheque for Sam," said Alice.

"It's just amazing for Sam and I know he's going to have so much fun playing outside now."

A community project is planned in nearby Ngunguru tomorrow morning, as well as grant presentations of trampolines to two local children with special needs and a cheque for Northland Plunket to purchase car seats.

The local community is invited to check out the Bash vehicles and grant presentations at Ngunguru School and on Sunday morning at McDonald's in Kamo between 9 10.00am.

Variety Bash Operations Manager, Adam Leslie says that the mission of the Variety Mini Bash is to distribute grants to New Zealand children, as well as bring magic and fun to the schools and communities it visits.

"The Variety Bash is the fun way to help Kiwi Kids", says Adam.

"If you see the Bash convoy this weekend, please come and drop a coin in one of our collection buckets to help with our fundraising activities."

A shorter but equally exciting version of Variety's signature event, the Variety Bash, the Variety Mini Bash is a long weekend take on the main Bash (held annually in March).

Variety Bash sponsors include Ford New Zealand, New Zealand Post, and McDonalds. The Bash is also supported by the NZ Automobile Association, the Royal NZ Air Force and Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics.

Ends

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