Variety seeking Bright Sparks for Scholarships

by Jodie Bakewell-White

Variety – The Children’s Charity wants to help Kiwi kids reach their lifelong dreams in education, music, art, and sport through its Gold Heart Scholarship programme.

Applications open on February 1 for the programme which provides talented Kiwi kids who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged with $5,000 and matches them with a mentor to assist them to reach their goals.

“Over the past three years, we have funded 50 scholarships for Kiwi kids in fields as varied as swimming, piano and psychology – 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 Ms Lorraine Taylor, CEO of Variety.

“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 this year include cricketer Shane Bond, Olympic swimmers Liz Coster, Helen Norfolk and Dean Kent, and former NZ champion athlete turned TV presenter Jayne Kiely.

The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship fund makes available a maximum of $5,000 per annum for up to three 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.

Applications open on February 1 and close on March 31 – for more information, phone (09) 520 4111 or visit the website. For more information about this year’s inspirational recipients, please visit the Variety Club website.

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