Variety Helps 280 Children with Back to School Needs

BARBADOS (Sep 26, 2022) – Variety – The Children’s Charity has helped 280 children with uniforms and basic school supplies through its 2022 Back to School Programme. Each child within the programme received stationery supplies and $200 in vouchers which were redeemable at partnering retail locations. 

“We provided total assistance of $56,000 to 153 families. Each of the 280 children helped also received a kit filled with stationery supplies,” said Marita Greenidge, Chief Barker (President) at the Charity. The donations were made possible with the help of main financial donor Chefette Restaurants Ltd and partnering organisation, Pack for a Purpose, which provided the stationery supplies. “We are extremely appreciative of our donors; their support is integral to allowing us to provide the much needed assistance several parents need around this Back to School time,” said Greenidge. “We are also grateful to those kind souls who donated their time – social workers who helped to interview applicants and volunteers who assisted with distributing vouchers and stationery,” she added. 

The Variety Back to School Programme, officially called the Aunty Olga Memorial School Aid Programme, ensures children in need are provided with uniforms and basic school supplies to begin a new school year. This programme is a celebration of the life and times of the late Dame Olga Lopes-Seale (Aunty Olga).

“Supporting the back-to-school needs of the island’s children was most dear to Aunty Olga and Variety – The Children’s Charity has pledged to ensure that her legacy lives on as we continue our mission in delivering equality and a future without limits to children who are disadvantaged,” said Greenidge.