The impacts of COVID-19 continue to be felt and while health and safety restrictions forced the cancellation of this year’s Variety NSW Bash, it’s sponsor the Australian Hotels Association - Newcastle Hunter has found another way to lend it’s support to Variety – the Children’s Charity and the children who rely upon the organisation.
When COVID-19 struck the Hunter back in March 2020, all local pubs were forced to cease trade, aside from take-away, and close their doors. For many, this resulted in substantial loss and one that filtered on to local suppliers and other associated industries.
But despite the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on pubs and affiliated businesses, AHA NSW members along with the support of supply partners BidFood and Red Funnell are proud to announce they will this year honour all ongoing non-profit partnerships including support of the Variety – the Children’s Charity, Mark Hughes Foundation, Hunter Children’s Research Foundation, and Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
“This ongoing support is possible due to the close partnerships we have with local supply partners BidFood and Red Funnel,” AHA NSW - Newcastle Hunter President Rolly de With said.
“Rebate frameworks with these suppliers allow us to support these important local non-profit groups and we are relieved that despite the many hardships brought about by COVID-19 this year, we can still support these charities who are also feeling the effects.”
While the cancellation of the 2020 Variety NSW Bash, sponsored by AHA NSW - Newcastle Hunter, meant the organisation and Variety had to re-visit funding models this year, a new agreement will see AHA NSW - Newcastle Hunter, instead lend its support to ensure the Christmas Toy Drive to be held, according to COVID-safe practices, at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday, 25 November can go ahead.
“We are really pleased that despite the impacts of COVID-19 and the changes it has forced everyone to make, we have found a way to support local children through Variety and to ensure all the children at the Toy Drive whose families may be experiencing hardship or who are living with a disability will receive a Christmas gift this year.”
The Christmas Toy Drive is expected to provide 1,700 toys to children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs.
“Through the AHA’s support, Variety has created a COVID-19 safe Christmas event for children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs,” Variety’s Brooke Bell said.
“The Variety Xmas Drive-Thru, will see at least 1700 children receive a present via a drive-thru style event at McDonald Jones Stadium. The event will see roving Christmas characters, music, Bash cars lining the route, and plenty of Christmas spirit along the way. Without AHA’s support, Variety would not be able to host this event given the amount of fundraising events that have been cancelled this year.”
You can learn more about the Variety Toy Drive HERE