We Meet Amazing Kiwi Kids Every Day

Variety is there for children in all sorts of challenging circumstances. We fund a broad range of requirements, from much-needed medical equipment, to life-changing mobility needs, to innovative educational initiatives.

Every day we meet amazing young people across New Zealand, who rise above their personal challenges to live life to the fullest. They are full of spark and inspire us to keep doing what we do - creating brighter futures for Kiwi kids.

Meet Connor Thompson...

 Eight-year-old Christchurch boy Connor Thompson was rewarded for his bravery and level headedness during the September 2010 earthquake with his very own shiny, new bike and helmet from Variety - The Children's Charity.  He was one of 50 deserving Christchurch kids who were given bicycles as part of Variety's annual Bikes for Kids tour.

"On the morning of the big earthquake Connor was woken by us running into his room," says mum Kimberley Thompson. "He's one of five children and as one of the eldest, he quickly knew to take charge. His father Vince fainted due to shock and fell down in front of the children, and Connor stepped up to look after his three younger siblings and keep them safe and calm so that I could tend to his Dad. Once we were sure that he was okay, Connor helped rush around getting water and other items that we needed ready."

Connor kept his cool during the earthquake and put his family's safety first:  "The earthquake was really scary, but I knew that I had to be brave and help my brothers and sisters," says Connor. "After the earthquake my four-year-old brother Jack was really scared, so I let him share my bed at night to stop him from being afraid of the aftershocks. When we had another strong aftershock, I made sure that we were all safely under the table.

"I didn't know that I was getting a bike but when I found out it was like Christmas had come early! I was so excited, I told all my friends at school, and all my family and everyone at cubs. I hadn't had my very own bike for years so this was the best present for me.

"The day I got my bike, Jack Johnson was there to help me put my helmet on and ride around Cathedral Square, and it was really cool to meet him. I have a big picture on the wall in my bedroom. I made my mum stop at the corner of our street when we drove home so that I could ride my bike into the driveway. Everyone was waiting for me to come home and cheering when I rode in! 

"I ride my bike with my family when we walk our dog each day and I also ride to cubs, rugby practice, the library and my friends' houses. Sometimes I help my mum by doing errands on my bike or going to the dairy to get milk. I love having my own bike."

Mum Kimberley concludes: "I am very proud of Connor and his take charge attitude. Connor comes from a big family with one income but he never asks for anything and will often go without for the younger ones. He has been through so much with the earthquake, yet he was always the first to help his family when we needed it. While his world was shaking and things all around him were falling and breaking he was brave and kept telling his brothers and sister it was going to be okay. Receiving a bike has meant the world to him and I'm so glad that he could get something good out of what has been an awful time for everyone in Christchurch."