Wednesday, 13 February, 2019
Variety the Children’s Charity (Variety) is dedicated to assisting Australian children who are disadvantaged through a rare illness, disability, location, or socio-economic circumstance. It’s Variety Wig Grants supports children aged 6-18 years old living in NSW who endure permanent hair loss as a result of a rare illness or condition, by providing quality human hair wigs at no cost.
A grant from the Charitable Foundation of $74,800 enabled Variety to continue assisting kids in regional NSW through Variety Wig Grants. Each wig can be up to $6,000, and without any government funding Variety relies on grants such from organisations such as the Charitable Foundation to be able to continue to provide assistance to families.
Permanent hair loss can have far more impact on kids beyond pure physical appearance. For teens who want to fit in, permanent hair loss can create mental health issues. Even a child with strong self-belief may feel vulnerable after hair loss, diminishing their confidence, self-esteem and body image which can impact their education, social networks and overall health.
The high cost of quality human hair wigs and the need to replace them every three years, impacts the ability of many low income families to acquire good quality, professionally fitted wigs.
The Wigs 4 Kids program has recognised this as an issue for children with permanent hair loss and through the Charitable Foundation grant has been able to provide wigs free of charge. Now, children like Lauren can now enjoy regular new wigs without the family experiencing the financial burden. Lauren’s mother said since Variety granted Lauren a wig, her confidence has come back, she enjoys playing netball, hanging out with her friends and has a love and talent of writing.
This was the seventh grant Variety has received from the Charitable Foundation since 2007 totalling more than $550,000 being granted towards kids in regional NSW.