Variety aims to spice up life at Christmas - but is relying on your goodwill

A CHARITY has launched its big festive appeal to give disadvantaged youngsters a better Christmas.

Variety, the children’s charity, has seen its income halved this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but its festive drive aims to make sure that disadvantaged children at least get the Christmas they deserve.

Charlotte Walker, regional development director at Variety, said: “We believe that all children deserve to have a wonderful Christmas regardless of disability or disadvantage.

“Receiving gifts at Christmas for many is expected. However, for most of the children we support this simply isn’t the case.

“Many of the children would go without if it wasn’t for the gift provided by Variety.”

While the pandemic has affected everyone, the children and families that Variety support have faced far greater challenges than most this year.

A study has shown that it costs a family about £600 more a month to care for a disabled child than a family whose child is not disabled. However, job uncertainty and pay cuts due to furlough or job losses could have a catastrophic financial impact on these families without the necessary support.

Historically, Variety Midlands hosts a Christmas party in Birmingham every year for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from all over the region.

While the party has had to be cancelled, Variety intends to make sure that the children it supports still receive a gift, and is asking for support.

The charity is calling on people to get involved in The Big Variety Christmas Appeal by taking part in a range of Christmas fundraisers, available on the website below. Just a £5 donation will allow Variety to buy a Christmas gift for a child this year.

Variety is also asking corporates to donate any of their unused Christmas Party Budget, donating what they would usually spend on taxis, drinks and outfits in order to help lift the spirits of vulnerable children and their families this Christmas.

■To make a donation, visit:

Variety.org.uk