Variety Freedom Program - mobility, communications & experiences

Giving children the freedom to move.

The Variety freedom program provides funding for mobility equipment for individual children like wheelchairs, walking frames and customised tricycles so that children can get out and about.

Under this unique program, we also donate Liberty Swings to communities so children in wheelchairs or with various physical impairments can feel the joy of swinging - a simple pleasure that other children can often take for granted. For those confined to a wheelchair this was never an option until the invention of the Variety Liberty Swing. Variety has committed to deliver 30 swings per annum for the next ten years to special needs children and their communities. Many of the swings commissioned to date have been placed in rural areas, reflecting our vision to reach children from all parts of Australia.

Variety Victoria also puts many Sunshine Coaches on the road every year, bringing sunshine to the lives of thousands of children. Special Schools and other organisations have been the grateful recipients of a fleet of more than 1,000 coaches travelling Australia, transporting children with physical disability, regional or social disadvantage out into the community to experience a range of special programs and activities.

Variety Victoria also runs an annual Bikes 4 Kids Program, championed by Melbourne radio station 3AW.
In 2009 - 2010 the Variety Freedom program distributed $454,544 in equipment and services.

For more details on specific programs:-

Bikes for Kids

Liberty Swings

Variety Future Kids - education, experiences & play program

Helping special children reach their full potential, realise their dreams and shine.

The Variety Future Kids program provides children with intellectual or physical disability access to a computer to positively transform their classroom experience and academic performance.

For children with autism and other learning difficulties, these specialist computer and software packages can help a child speak their first word, or write down their own thoughts independently.

We also help with sporting trips, musical equipment, scholarships and other items that help children with various special needs improve their potential to learn, participate in the community and enjoy life!

Support for special and regional schools

Variety is also an active supporter of special education and disadvantaged schools throughout Australia, providing funding for books, educational and play equipment, school camps, educational outings and other urgently needed equipment

Variety @ Work

Special Children's Christmas Party

Variety Caring for Kids - helping hospitals program

Providing essential medical and health equipment to care for kids at home, in the community and in hospital.

The Variety caring for children program helps parents care for their seriously ill children at home with nebulisers, insulin pumps, electric hospital beds and more.

We also work in conjunction with regional hospitals and other children's organisations to fund major projects like the Royal Women's Hospital NETS Ambulances which are specially equipped transport sick and premature newborns to special care.

Past grants include:

• Heart Kids
• Southern Health
• Craigieburn Children's Services
• NETS Ambulances