Variety - The Childrens Charity - Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Fund

From Whangarei to Oamaru, Kiwi kids all over the country are overcoming obstacles to strive for their dreams and Variety – The Children’s Charity is pleased to play a helping hand.

22 talented Kiwis in fields as varied as swimming, piano and psychology have been selected for a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship in 2009 to help them reach their lifelong dreams in their chosen fields.

“We have weight-lifters, ice-skaters, table tennis players and waka ama paddlers – regardless of the field or the adversity they have overcome, the common theme with these children is their outstanding talent and determination to reach their dreams,” said Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity. Lorraine Taylor WS[1]

Now in its third year, the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship provides the recipients with financial support of up to $5000 and matches them with a mentor to help them achieve their life goals in music, the arts, education or sport.

“One of the unique aspects of the Scholarship is that each recipient is assigned a leading professional or celebrity mentor to encourage and support them throughout the year. Mentors have included Olympic swimmer Liz Costa, basketball star Paul Henare and Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter.

“Four of the original recipients from 2007, Tyler Belcher, Ayesha Campbell, Breandan Malone and Stephanie McKenzie, have been selected for the third time – it has been a pleasure and a privilege to see their progress over the last three years and celebrate the records they have broken and the gold medals won.”

The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship fund makes available a maximum of $5,000 per annum for up to 3 years to help children with special needs fulfill their dreams. This could include assisting with tuition fees, personal development, coaching, and the purchase of training equipment, travel or accommodation.

“We are delighted that CMC Markets has once again funded six scholarships and are pleased to welcome Speedo on board to provide swimming gear for three of the swimmers – we also thank the Pacific Sports and Community Trust and Asvar Insurance each funding one scholarship,” saidTaylor.

“We were touched by the many inspirational applications we received and are aware that there are many more Kiwi children that are deserving of a Variety Gold Heart Scholarship,” concluded Taylor.

Variety acknowledges the support of CMC Markets, Pacific Sport and Community Trust, Asvar Insurance and Speedo for their support of the 2009 Variety Gold Heart Scholarships.