Variety seeks high achieving Kiwi kids

Variety – The Children’s Charity is currently calling for applicants for its 2009 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme.

The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship is dedicated to fostering the talents of NZ children with special needs and to help them achieve their life goals in music, the arts, education or sport.

Applications are sought from children 18 years of age or under who have a special need, disability, illness, or disadvantage and are already excelling in a particular field such as music, the arts, sports or education.

CEO of Variety – The Children’s Charity, Lorraine Taylor, says: “Variety is thrilled to be able to provide financial support and mentoring to enable aspirational Kiwis to reach their dreams.

“As the scholarship programme continues to grow we are amazed with the talent and sheer determination of our scholarship recipients and we look forward to supporting this year’s recipients in meeting their lifelong goals.”

The Variety Gold Heart Scholarship Programme will make available a maximum of $5,000 to up to 20 NZ children who face special challenges, to help them reach their goals.

Funding may be used for travel, accommodation, tuition, equipment, personal development, coaching or other associated participation or training costs.

As well as financial support, each recipient is assigned a leading professional or celebrity mentor to encourage and support them throughout the year. Mentors last year included Olympic swimmer Liz Coster and basketball star Paul Henare.

Now in its third year, the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme continues to grow and Variety is pleased to have the support of CMC Markets NZ, who is financing six of the Gold Heart Scholarships this year.

Applications for the 2009 Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme are now open and close at 5.00 p.m. on Friday, 3rd April, 2009.

For more information about the Variety Gold Heart Scholarship programme or to download an application form please visit www.variety.org.nz