Variety – Mobility Program
Bikes for Kids
Bikes for Kids is a trademark program of Variety. Many at-risk children have never had their own bike, new or old. Variety works together with the local schools and agencies (that provide services to said families) to provide the names of qualified children between the ages of 5-12. Once the children are identified they are asked to complete a form telling why they would like a new bike, where they would ride it and how they would take care of it. Upon receipt of said forms, Variety notifies the children that they have WON a new bike, helmet and lock. Variety works together with the local police department to provide bicycle safety information. After listening about bicycle safety and the importance of wearing a helmet, recipients sign a pledge that they will "ride their bike safely and always wear their helmet."
A $100 donation will purchase a bike, helmet and lock for a child. Sponsorships levels may be individualized based on the number of bicycles sponsor funded. For example,
| 1 bike, helmet & lock | $100 |
| 25 bikes, helmets & locks* | $2,500 |
| 50 bikes, helmets & locks* | $5,000 |
| 100 bikes, helmets & locks* | $10,000 |
*Variety would schedule a bike presentation at a date and time selected by said sponsor. Presentation and publicity would include "Bikes for Kids sponsored by your organization/name".
Specialized Bike Program
Variety's newest bike program provides specialized bikes to children with special needs. The challenges faced by these children may include Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, Angelman Syndrome, Rett Syndrome, and visually impaired. Variety works together with Freedom Concepts to provide custom-built specialized bicycles and tricycles that will provide therapeutic benefits and all the fun and excitement that comes from the freedom of mobility. One mother wrote...
Specialized bicycles and tricycles range between $2,500 to $5,000, depending upon the levels of specialized equipment."This is the first time my child has been able to get around the neighborhood and be with his peers. I believe the look and feel of the bike impacts him on a social level as well as a physical one."
Variety Vans
Iowa is fortunate to have hundreds of charities and agencies that provide specialized services for children with physical, mental, and emotional disabilities, as well as underprivileged and underserved children. Unfortunately, many children cannot take advantage of a variety of available services because of transportation problems.
The objective of the Variety Van Program is to help children’s agencies throughout Iowa meet essential transportation needs where other funding sources may not be available. Variety Vans give children the freedom to travel and experience new adventures that simply would not otherwise be possible. These vans may include custom modifications such as hydraulic lifts for wheelchairs and special seating configurations. Variety Vans transport children to facilities and hospitals where they receive necessary services as well as provide kids with the opportunity to enjoy field trips and recreational outings.
Today, more than 350 Variety Van have been awarded. While Variety is proud of this accomplishment, there are still agencies that have a need for a van. Corporations and individuals may sponsor a Variety Van for $28,000. In return for this support, Variety will provide said organization’s name and logo on the Variety Van.
As a donor to these programs, Variety will work directly with the donor to include them with the presentations of said items.