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 Boat for Hope Vancouver?

Every summer, children with special needs and their families are treated to a day of pirate adventure on the high seas at Boat for Hope, a fundraiser in support of Variety the Children’s Charity. The annual event brings together the local boating and business community to create an unforgettable experience for kids who may otherwise never be able to enjoy such an adventure due to mobility, financial and other challenges they face in their day-to-day lives. For the hundreds of kids who participate every year, the day is a wonderful opportunity to get out on the water (with marauding pirates never far away) and enjoy a barbeque in the park.

The 2022 Boat for Hope Vancouver will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Ships will be departing from the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club starting at 10:00 am and retuning for a Carnival Barbecue until 3:00pm.

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.