Inside Variety - May 2008

A Free Gift of Music from Justin Hines
Canadian singer/songwriter Justin Hines is working alongside Variety - The Children's Charity to give you a free gift of music. Support Justin and Variety’s kids by downloading Justin’s two hit songs Wish You Well and April on the Ground. Donate $20 or more towards Variety’s amazing work with young people facing challenges and Justin will give you a copy of his online digital album, Sides. The album includes 13 songs, lyrics, Justin’s biography and links to a one hour documentary and two music videos. And don’t forget to pass it on to your friends!

Are you ready to walk?
Are you ready to roll?
Join us on Sunday, September 21 at Variety Village for Walk-n-Roll 2008. You, your friends and family can walk or roll the 5K or 1k courses throughout the neighbourhood. With your help, we hope to raise the funds necessary to support Variety Village's integrated programs. Participants will enjoy a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, food and great prizes. You could win one of many prizes including a trip for two to sunny Florida! Online participants will receive two extra raffle ballots for an even better chance to win. It’s easy! Register online and make a difference in your community today.

We did it!
2008 Ontario ParaSport Summer Games
On July 25 & 26, Variety Village hosted the 2008 Ontario ParaSport Summer Games.Our goal from the start was to organize the “best ever” Summer Games with the focus on the athletes. The positive feedback from all the participants has been inspiring. The Games gave us the opportunity to renew our past relationships with Centennial College, CARD, Paralympics Ontario and the City of Toronto. We were able to create a new level of excitement in Paralympic Sports as well as introduce a new generation of Paralympic athletes to the exciting facilities we have here in Toronto. The event was a tremendous success and a true reflection of excellence on the part the organizing committee, Variety’s staff and over 100 volunteers.
Click here to view some fantastic photos of the event.

Youth Initiative
If you like working with youth…
Variety Village’s afterschool program is for you! We’re looking for University and College volunteers to tutor grades 9–12 students. For more info, click here.

Wanted: Creative, Energetic Youth!
We’re looking for 12 young volunteers to help make 2008 the best
Walk-n-Roll year ever! If you’d like to join our team, contact Celine Yeung at celine.yeung@gmail.com.

Jamie Ganpat

Jamie started coming to Variety when he was six years old. For the next five years Jamie attended classes at Variety and by this time he and his entire family had become members of Variety Village.

Over the years Jamie eagerly and actively participated in the summer, March Break and Golf Camps, played Wheelchair Basketball, swam on the Sunshine Swim Team, was active in the Sports and Social Group, was a Counselor in Training and participated in both Drama and Latin Dance.

Jamie is proud to be an Ambassador for Variety and enthusiastically represents Variety at the Lt. Governor’s Games, Police Games, Pizza Nova Day, Blue Jays Luncheon, Golf Tournaments and Walk n Roll.

Jamie’s future goals involve volunteering at Variety’s front reception desk and participating in the Variety Village school programs.

Click here to meet more Variety Heroes.