Celebs Spread Charity Message

Celebs Spread Charity Message and join Variety Trillian Bash convoy

“There are lots of South Island kids who could use a hand-up these days, and we’re here to help get the message across that Variety – The Children’s Charity is there to assist,” says TVOne news anchor Simon Dallow.

The face familiar to every Kiwi family will be aboard the Variety Trillian Bash as its 25 brightly-coloured vehicles and themed teams boards the Bluebridge ferry in Wellington, heading South on March 12.

Dallow will join entertainer and actor Mark Wright, Australian magician Super Hubert, actor Shane Cortese, veteran rocker Tom Sharplin and comedian Tarun Mohanbhai as they travel a convoluted and largely back-country route to Blenheim and Nelson, Greymouth and Westport, Ashburton and Timaru.

Along the way they will be entertaining kids, and bringing life to the Variety vision – to help New Zealand’s sick, disabled and disadvantaged children to reach their full potential.

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“So many families these days struggle to manage, and many of those most in need don’t know how much Variety can help,” Dallow says. “That’s one reason the Bash exists – not just to raise funds for Kiwi kids in need of a hand, or to entertain children whose location may mean they miss out on opportunities urban kids take for granted, but also to spread the message that we’re here.”

“If a child needs a piece of medical equipment, or help with school uniforms, if a school struggles to provide the basics the kids need to be the best they can be, Variety – The Children’s Charity is here to give them a hand.”

Like Dallow, Mark Wright likes the charity’s emphasis on Kiwis giving Kiwi kids the essentials they need to take the next step. “Give a kid the tools they need, be it a laptop, a mini bus so their rural school can go to sports tournaments, or a specialised trike so a disabled child can join in with active play, and they’ll make the most of it – and that gives them a hand up towards a brighter future,” he says.

Bash director Murray O’Donnell has been involved with the Bash for over 25 years now, and often hears back from kids and communities.

“This is our 26th year, and so we’ll often revisit communities, and we meet young adults we first met when they were kids. It’s wonderful to hear how they got on, and what a difference a Variety grant made to them.”

“Some of them recall the lift it gives a small country school when a bunch of strangers turn up, give them a great day, handfuls of goodies and maybe a hand to brush up their school. They realise other people do care, and there is a life out there waiting for them if they step up to reach it,” he says.

All the celebrities along this year are regulars with the Bash, and all of them comment on how humbling the event is, especially for those who are parents themselves.

O’Donnell says he hopes that the Bash passing through will send a message to struggling South Island families who haven’t yet encountered Variety – the Children’s Charity that there’s a group out there that can give them a hand.

“We’re here to help kids be the best they can be, every day. And we hope that next time we come south, we’ll hear more success stories from families who came over to say hi this time, and got in touch with Variety for a helping hand.”

On arrival at Picton on March 12, the Variety Trillian Bash will meet up with the South Island teams and start a week of visiting 21 rural schools and 4000 children. Along the way they’ll take part in working bees, plant fruit trees, and give away 100 bikes to deserving kids.

2016 Variety Trillian Bash route

March 12: Levin to Blenheim – thanks to Bluebridge ferries

March 13: Blenheim, via Wairau Hospital visit toPortage Resort

March 14: Portage area, visit Waitaria Bay School WORKING BEE

March 15: Portage to Nelson via Linkwater School, Havelock School, Canvastown School, Rai Valley School, Hira School, Clifton Terrace School, Auckland Point School. BUCKET SHAKE AT NELSON

March 16: Nelson to Blackball via Auckland Point School, Brightwater School, Wakefield School, Murchison Area School, Westport, Greymouth.

March 17: Greymouth to Lake Coleridge via Cobden School, Blackball School TREE PLANTING, St Patricks School, Dobson School, Lake Brunner School

March 18: Methven to Timaru via Methven School, Rakaia School, Chertsey School, Fairton School, Asburton Borough School, ending at the Caroline Bay Sound Shell: BIKES FOR KIDS will be presented to children at several schools today

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