Variety Mini Bash Tops $20k

For immediate release 23rd September 2010

Variety Mini Bash Tops $20k

The Variety’ Mini Bash raised over $20,000 as it travelled from Papakura to Te Awamutu via Port Waikato, Raglan and Waitomo on September 17-19.

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. This year’s event saw a convoy of around 25 crazy Bash vehicles and support cars raise funds and FUN for Kiwi kids while distributing grants totaling $28,000.

The day started with a launch and grant presentations at McDonald’s Takanini where celebrities such as Jayne Kiely, Vodafone Warriors player Micheal Luck, Cocksy, Studio 2 presenters Matt Gibb, Dayna Vawdrey and Jordan Vandermade and Variety Ambassadors’ Constable Bryan and Bobby were on hand to distribute grants.

2000 Franklin and Papakura children were treated to a very different day at school when the Variety Mini Bash visited, bringing its special brand of magic and distributing 40 bikes to deserving children. Children were excited to meet Dora the Explorer, Elmo and a team from Rainbow’s End.

The Bash then travelled to Port Waikato, home of Variety Ambassador Ewen Gilmour and his wife Cathy, where it sheltered from the adverse weather that affected much of the North Island.

“We had no power for much of the night, but in true Variety Bash spirit, it didn’t make any difference,” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity.

“While the weather affected our planned Raglan Regatta and Te Awamutu Community Challenge, nothing was going to stop us from distributing grants in Waitomo, Raglan and Te Awamutu, or prevent the Bashers from using their DIY skills at Waitomo Caves School and Te Awamutu Plunket,” Ms Taylor continued.

Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor 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.

“Helping Kiwi kids in this way would not be possible without the support of Varity’s dedicated Bash sponsors: Ford New Zealand, Trillian Trust, McDonald’s New Zealand, Solid Gold, NZ Post, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Toyofuji Shipping, and the support of the AA and the Royal New Zealand Airforce,” she continued.

Variety CEO Lorraine Taylor 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.

“Helping Kiwi kids in this way would not be possible without the support of Varity’s dedicated Bash sponsors: Ford New Zealand, Trillian Trust, McDonald’s New Zealand, Solid Gold, NZ Post, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Toyofuji Shipping, and the support of the AA and the Royal New Zealand Airforce,” she continued.

Variety aims to plug the gaps that other organisations or the government can’t or won’t fill and is often the last hope of funding for families.

For more information about Variety, please go to www.variety.org.nz

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