The Sydney Airport Christmas Giving Appeal has raised more than $180,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity to help Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.

 

“We’re delighted to have raised $180,000 for Variety – the Children’s Charity through our annual Sydney Airport Christmas Giving Appeal,” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer, Kerrie Mather, said.

 

“We’d like to thank our passengers, the public, the airport community, stakeholders, and volunteers for their generosity and support, which was vital to the success of this charity initiative.

 

“The airport came alive with creative decorations, interactive displays and activities throughout the six-week campaign in November and December last year.

 

 

FUNDING FOR EQUIPMENT

“It was wonderful to see everyone working together to help raise much needed funds for such a worthy cause.” Chief Executive Officer of Variety – the Children’s Charity, Tam Johnston, said the $180,000 would go towards helping children in need.

 

“The support and generosity of Sydney Airport, their visitors, staff, retailers and key partners have made a very significant difference to the lives of local Australian children who are sick, disadvantaged, or have special needs,” said Johnston.

 

“I applaud Sydney Airport and the airport community for their collaborative spirit and thank them for their passion for helping Aussie kids in need.”

 

The funds raised will go towards vital equipment for children and families in need, including:

 

 

BEHIND-THE-SCENES AIRPORT TOUR

A customised 14-seater Variety Sunshine Coach with a wheelchair modification for The Hills School in Northmead – which caters for students who have moderate to severe intellectual and physical disabilities and challenging behaviours – to enable these children to participate in life skills, hands on learning, school camps, and other fun and beneficial activities, which are often the highlight of their time at school;

Four Variety Scholarships in the areas of arts, sport and education to help children who are disadvantaged or living with a disability to realise their potential and achieve their dreams.

 

Specialised equipment to help many more children gain mobility, independence and self-esteem, including wheelchairs, specialised strollers, walking frames and wigs for children with alopecia.

 

Sydney Airport and Variety – the Children’s Charity also thanked Variety Heart sponsors Assetlink, Dick Smith, and Marrickville, Rockdale City and Botany Bay Rotary clubs for their purchase of specialised equipment as part of the charity campaign.

 

Sydney Airport and Variety will soon host a behind-the-scenes airport tour for children from The Hills School in Northmead to present them with their new Variety Sunshine Coach.

 

The children will enjoy a barbecue and presentation at the airport before being escorted on their new coach for an airfield tour.