SMALL GRANTS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE FOR VARIETY KIDS
One of the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation’S guiding principles is that small acts of giving can be just as important as big ones, a philosophy that aligns with the community and individual grants program run by Variety WA.
The Foundation’s support helps Variety WA reach thousands of children in need of specialised equipment like sensory play kits and therapy items, as well as assistive technology like laptops and tablets.
Individual applicants to the program can apply for four different types of support — providing equipment and resources to support children in areas like physical and mental wellbeing, independence, social activity and education.
Organisations, such as community groups and schools, are also eligible to receive funding for their work with young people below the age of 17 living with illness, disadvantage and disability.
In 2022, the scale and value of the grants provided by Variety ranged from less than $100 (to purchase clothes for a disadvantaged child in Perth) up to $20,000 (to help fund a new playground in the Pilbara region).
Last year’s list of recipients included seven-year-old Angus, who was delighted to receive a brand-new iPad provided through a Variety TechKids grant.
Angus’ family said this single piece of tech would have a profound impact on their son’s education and wellbeing by giving him the opportunity for better engagement with his therapies, and online access to school homework with the rest of his classmates.
Last year also saw Variety WA introduce a new grant category, EduKids, which provides back-to-school equipment such as stationery and uniforms to children who would otherwise go without.
Variety WA also began a partnership with Operation Sunshine, a local volunteer organisation that works with victims of family and domestic violence, to provide care packages to children in crisis who are entering foster or other out-of-home care.
Large or small, all of Variety’s grants are designed to enable all children to follow their dreams and ensure that crucial support is available wherever and whenever it is needed.
For more information, visit Variety WA’s website here.
Published: May 2023