What is Variety - the Children’s Charity of BC?

Variety - the Children’s Charity steps in where health care ends providing direct help to children with special need province-wide. For over 50 years, Variety has ensured that children have support to reach their full potential and thrive.

Funding from Variety helps to cover a wide arrange of assistance to children and families from lifesaving medical supplies, educational support for learning disabilities, mobility equipment, specialized therapies and mental wellness counselling.

What is the Show of Hearts Telethon?

This year’s Variety Show of Hearts will once again be presented as a three-day event kicking off on Global News Morning on Thursday, February 24th where you’ll be introduced to some of the kids you’ve helped in 2021. The stories will then continue on all of Global BC’s newscasts including Global News Hour at 6 throughout the day and on Friday, February 25th.

You’ll then be introduced to even more kids when our 56th Annual Variety Show of Hearts Telethon airs on Saturday, February 26th from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Returning to the stage will be hosts Chris Gailus, Sophie Lui, Kristi Gordon, Neetu Garcha, Paul Haysom & Jay Janower of Global BC as well as 980 CKNW’s Jody Vance.

Joining them will be Show of Hearts favourites Howard Blank, Alvin Law & Marco Pasqua along with actor & pastor Bethel Lee, singer-songwriter Seven Taviss and Variety Youth Champions, Janelle Milne & Esabella Strickland.

Throughout the three days, you’ll see your donor dollars in action when you'll meet kids like 4-year-old Cassie from Richmond who received hearing aids and 6-year-old Ace from Abbotsford who received an adaptive stroller.

You’ll also be treated to a line-up of phenomenal entertainment including Canadian violinist, Adrian Anantawan, Penticton’s own spoken word poet, Shane Koyczan, folk & country singer-songwriter, William Prince and six-time Juno Award-winning singer-songwriter, Serena Ryder plus special guests, sixteen-time GRAMMY-winning music producer, David Foster and singer-songwriter & actress, Katharine McPhee.

Why is Variety needed?

Often a child’s condition is complex, which means care and support is needed for various aspects of their development throughout their childhood – support that is often not covered by public or private health plans. It is a journey that children and their families face with perseverance, and with the support of donors, Variety is by their side.

Where does donor money go?

Grants are provided directly to BC families who have kids with special needs. Funding from Variety helps to cover mobility equipment, medical supplies, specialized therapies (such as speech & language therapy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, equine therapy, music therapy, autism assessments, and psycho-educational assessments), education bursaries or tutoring for children with learning disabilities and counselling for children with mental health issues.

Is Variety a registered charity?

One of the oldest in BC! Our Registered Charity number is: #108168709. We’ve been here for over 50 years and have helped launch organizations like BC Children’s Hospital and Canuck Place.

How is Variety in BC connected to Variety International?

Variety in BC is one of 41 chapters in 11 countries around the world that form the entire Variety International organization. The original chapter was founded in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1927. The funds that are raised in BC are distributed exclusively in BC.