Thousands of sick, disadvantaged, and special needs children across South Australia will benefit from vital funding thanks to a new partnership between Variety – the Children’s Charity, and the iconic Clipsal 500 Adelaide.
Ford V8 Supercars driver and current championship leader, Mark Winterbottom took time out of his upcoming race preparations today to meet with kids, staff and volunteers from Variety at their South Australian based headquarters.
Winterbottom took Adino Deyzel, 9, from Chandler’s Hill, Jacob Kaltapanidis, 8, from Birkenhead and Sam Henderson, 14, from Elizabeth Park for a spin in the octane orange FPV (Ford Performance Vehicles) GT safety car on their way to a special behind the scenes tour of the Adelaide Zoo. The safety car, valued at $100,000 has been generously donated by local dealer Jarvis Ford, and will be raffled as part of the partnership with all proceeds going directly to Variety.
“Having kids myself, it’s a real eye opener to see first-hand the amazing work Variety do to help children in need and it certainly makes the world of difference to these kids and their families. I encourage the people of Adelaide to get involved in any way they can to help support this wonderful charity,” Winterbottom said.
The charity partnership will give Variety the opportunity to raise essential funds which will help to provide practical equipment, programs and experiences to help children overcome whatever obstacles they face and live life to the fullest.
Clipsal 500 CEO, Mark Warren, said the Clipsal 500 was delighted to form an association with Variety as the event’s official charity partner and he called on Clipsal 500 fans to get involved in the fun activities in the lead up to and during the event to help raise vital funds.
“We are excited to partner with Variety to continue their association with motorsport. The Clipsal 500 is one of Australia’s most successful entertainment events and we’re confident this new partnership will help generate more awareness and exposure of this wonderful charity to new audiences,” Warren said.
“Variety has many successful motoring events which contribute much needed funding to our core programs,” said Mark McGill, CEO of Variety SA.
“There is a great synergy between our existing events and the Clipsal 500, and we are thrilled to be involved with such an iconic South Australian motoring event.
“We’re hoping to raise as much money as possible, if we can get to $100,000 we’ll be able to purchase a brand new, 22 seater, Variety Sunshine Coach with a wheelchair lifter which helps special needs children to get out and about in the community,” he said.
The SA Variety Bash departs from the Clipsal 500 Adelaide track at Victoria Park Racecourse on Saturday, August 9 with festivities kicking off from 7am.
