The Variety Show of Hearts is back on Global BC to celebrate children of all abilities and to ensure that every child across the province has the brightest possible future.
Launching on Global News Hour at 6 on Thursday, February 23rd, viewers will be treated to stories of hope, courage and resilience from children & families who they've helped in 2022. The inspiring stories will then continue on all of Global BC's newscasts including Global News Morning and Global News at Noon on Friday, February 24th & Saturday, February 25th.
Then be sure to circle Sunday, February 26th on your calendar when the 57th annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon will air from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
The iconic fundraising event will be hosted by Global BC's Chris Gailus, Sophie Lui, Sonia Sunger, Paul Haysom, Mark Madryga & Michael Newman, CFOX's Karen Khunkhunand Rock 101's Kiah Tucker along with Todd Talbot. Joining them will be Alvin Law, Marco Pasqua, Howard Blank & Jessica McCready as well as Variety Youth Champions, Esabella Strickland, Kaitlyn Lee, and Jayden & Ashton.
And making their Show of Hearts debut will be special guests, Sarah McLachlan and Jim Cuddy, Devin Cuddy & Sam Polley. Also performing will be pop-rock singer, Fefe Dobson and Coquitlam's own Tyler Shaw.
Plus you'll get to see your donor dollars at work when you'll meet more Variety kids including 11-year-old Cameron from Prince George who received a pyschoeducational assessment and 14-year-old Alex from Burnaby who received a tuition bursary to attend Whytecliff Agile Learning Centre.
Be sure to join us for this year's Variety Show of Hearts where thanks to our generous sponsors, your donation will have double the impact up to $850,000. So tune in and together we can continue to transform the lives of BC's kids ... one child at a time!
Bob McGrath Tribute
Last year saw the loss of Variety Show of Hearts legend, Bob McGrath.
The TV icon - who quickly became a household name for his portrayal of music teacher, "Bob Johnson" on the Emmy Award-winning PBS children's series, Sesame Street - also went on to become a Show of Hearts legend making a total of over 40 Telethon appearances over the past five decades.
During the 4.5 hour telecast, we'll be presenting a special tribute to celebrate Bob's dedicatoin and all that he did in support of Variety and BC's kids.
Robert Bateman Poster
This year, donors will receive Robert Bateman's Haida Spirit poster for a minimum donation of $169. Haida Spirit is a captivating depiction of the award-winning artist's visit to the Haida Gwaii where he was guided by a Haida elder to a peaceful bay where Bill Reid's canoe sat an an anchorage.
Donors will also have the opportunity to have their poster framed by GS & Company for an additional $189 + taxes & shipping with a portion donated back to Variety.
New monthly donors, those who contribute $35+/month or increase their monthly donation by any amount are also eligible to receive the poster.
Variety BC also has three other programs that have a positive impact on the lives of children with special needs and their families:
At Variety BC, every dollar raised goes towards transforming the lives of kids with special needs and keeping Variety BC running. In addition to providing support to kids and their families, we support hospitals that adminster emergency care across BC and provide transportation to organizations who support kids with special needs.
Check out the journey of your donation on our website here:www.variety.bc.ca/the-journey-of-your-donation/
You can also read more about how Variety has helped BC's kids in the past year in our 2022 Donor Impact Report here: www.variety.bc.ca/our-impact/impact-report/
One of the oldest in BC! Our Registered Charity number is: #108168709.
More ways to give and make a BIG impact:
We believe we can achieve a lot more when we work together! Make a donation, volunteer your time, or set up your own community fundraiser with our support.
A charity that grew out of a single good deed, Variety has been transforming the lives of children around the world for almost a century.
In 1927, the original Variety Club was formed by 11 businessmen working in the entertainment industry. This group discovered an abandoned infant in one of their theatres and banded together to raise her. This alliance grew into an organization that puts children first. Variety BC is just one of the 41 chapters in 11 countries around the world that form the entire Variety International organization today.
Here in British Columbia, our chapter was established in 1966, focusing on empowering children with special needs throughout the province. Continually inspired by our roots in teamwork, we’ve partnered with donors and businesses to raise millions of dollars to help children and families across the province.
The funds that are raised in BC are distributed exclusively in BC.