THE 2022 Variety Spin 4 Kids at Newcastle Jockey Club raised more than $70,000 yesterday for Variety - the Children's Charity NSW/ACT.
More than 200 people cycled for over 200 hours to raise the money, raising the record amount dressed in anything from superhero costumes to 80s fashion or tutus, riding stationary bikes. Some famous faces were also seen at the event, including Paralympic swimmer Maddie Elliot and some Newcastle Knights players.
Variety CEO Vanessa Barry said the event was fun for an important cause.
"It goes toward Variety so that we can help kids around NSW, the Australian Capital Territory and also in the Hunter to help with supporting kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with a disability," she said.
"It is incredibly important to raise this money for these kids because it has been a tough couple of years for everyone, especially for charities who are trying to support kids in need. We have had to cancel a lot of events over the years and so being able to do this means the world to us.
"It really helps us to help the kids that need it."
This marks the seventh year the event has been held, returning in person again for the first time since 2020.
"This year our target was $70,000 and over the course of the years we have raised so much money for local kids it has been fantastic," Ms Barry said.
"We do all sorts of things that the money will go to. For example we have grants for a child that has lost their hair because of cancer. It could also go to kids in need of a new wheelchair.
"It will also go toward disability programs such as 'Just Like You' which is a disability awareness program designed to build understanding, acceptance and inclusion."
Ms Barry said some of the money would go to a scholarship program which was launched on the day.
"On Friday we opened a school scholarships program for kids in need and children that have a demonstrated ability in the arts or sport and are also living with a disability. Under the program we can help them with a scholarship so they can pursue their dreams," she said.
The 2020 event was done online and nine corporate teams were able to participate virtually from their offices again this year.
SURFEST CHARITY AUCTION
Speaking of fundraising, a Surfest charity auction has raised $29,910 for the Meg Purser Pathways Program, established to support Hunter women surfers chasing the World Surf League tours, and named in honour of Meg Purser, who died of breast cancer last January, aged 53.
Surfest says Ms Purser was instrumental in the innovative crowdfunding campaign that has helped the women's event thrive since 2015.
