Volunteering, Variety Style

Donnie Gordon

Volunteers are crucial to the foundation of Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Volunteer involvement speaks to the passion and spirit of this organization and increases Variety’s capacity to help children by lowering administrative costs. For over 50 years, volunteers have played key roles in assisting with fundraising activities and events, working on committees, and putting on events for BC’s kids with special needs.

Variety has over 3000 registered volunteers; 200 are heavily involved at various events throughout the year or in the Variety office on a regular basis. Young and old and loyal, some volunteers have been involved for over 40 years.

Variety volunteers have joined for many reasons. Some came with a friend and stayed after enjoying the team spirit that builds around a group working together. Some have had a connection with a child helped by Variety. Earl Griffith, the charity’s “Heartly” mascot, joined because his brother’s son received help. Ditto for volunteer Michelle Pallotta; her friend’s daughter needed heart surgery and Variety covered their travel accommodations.

Volunteers in their 80s work alongside teen volunteers. Some started as members of “Young Variety” where they organized and ran their own events for kids or assisted at Variety’s events. They developed leadership skills and now play key roles as adults in mentoring new volunteers.

Bob and Barbara Stewart

This couple has been helping kids with special needs province-wide through Variety for over 50 years.

Bob and Barbara Stewart This couple has been helping kids with special needs province-wide through Variety for over 50 years. In 1972 Barbara joined as a volunteer at the annual “Variety Show of Hearts Telethon.” Fifteen years later, she became Variety’s first woman Chief Barker, aka President.

She went on to be a member of the President’s Circle for Variety International and was the creative mastermind behind the charity’s hugely successful Gold Pin Program launched in 1991. The campaign has since raised more than $5 million in support of BC’s children with special needs and their families. “Being able to work with people who all share the same goal and passion is what keeps me here,” says Barbara. “And then to meet these amazing kids and their families and seeing firsthand how Variety has impacted their life is just the icing on the cake.”

Bob, former Chief of the Vancouver Police Department, became involved in 1975 after Barbara signed him up as a Telethon volunteer. After retiring from VPD in 1991, he became more actively involved, serving as Variety’s Chief Barker during the ‘90s and terms in 2010 and 2011. “Giving back to the community is something that’s always been important to us,” says Bob. “And when it’s children and families you’re helping, that makes it all the more rewarding.”

Bob and Barbara were recently honoured with Variety BC’s Gold Heart Award.

Variety is currently recruiting volunteers for this year’s 53rd Annual “Variety Show of Hearts Telethon” on Sunday, February 10. “The telethon is a huge draw and a portal for new volunteers. After having fun at our signature event, they are excited to learn there are things to do yearround,” says Maureen Curtis, Manager, Volunteer Services. Those interested in volunteering can contact Maureen. maureen.curtis@variety.bc.ca s Donnie Gordon is Director, Marketing & Communications, for Variety –the Children’s Charity. variety.bc.ca