Dorset based Telecommunications Company 4Com have volunteered their Sales Team for the day to help Variety, the Children’s Charity.

This was a chance for the 244 children with varying levels of learning difficulties and disabilities, from ten schools across the Wessex Region to have a fun filled day at Bournemouth Pavilion. Schools included Montacute, Normangate, Gosport, Tregonwell and Linwood School.

The Children were able to have their face’s painted, have glitter tattoos and even took part in reptile handling including holding a massive 13ft snake, huge lizards and even hairy tarantulas.

There was also an afternoon of music, magic shows, balloon artistry and a Punch and Judy show.

For many years everything was donated for these very special children but nowadays Variety are having to find funds for almost everything. Most of the entertainers reduced the cost of their appearances. These include: Alex -Southampton Reptile House, Ronnie – Diamond’s Face Painters, Django Bygraves, Paul Griffiths and the Pavilion Staff.

A Big thanks to Anthony Bygraves who put the show together, and gave his time for free along with the 4Com staff members and of course the Variety committee members.

This was a different challenge for the 4Com sales staff, who mentioned that it would be out of their comfort zone, however they soon got into the swing of things. They helped everyone who attended in various different ways, from the carers, teachers and Variety staff by giving them a bit of a break when setting up and & entertaining the children.

Frances Cornelius, Variety Wessex Chair:

“Days like this help, as many children attending come from very underprivileged backgrounds and therefore, may never have the opportunity to be included in such a day out if it wasn’t for Variety arranging & funding the day. These days are rarely arranged during the holidays because the schools are needed to transport the children. Variety Wessex arranges as many days out as is possible, however this is all done via the Variety committee members in our spare time as many of us work full time. “

Natasha Emmins, Post Dem Researcher at 4Com & Variety Committee Member Volunteer:

“As part of the Variety Club committee we had discussed this event in several meetings so I was really intrigued and excited to see the turn out! I also used to volunteer at similar events when I was younger and loved every second of it so jumped at the chance to go. The 4Com staff helped wherever we were needed; from greeting all the children at the front door to helping with all of the creepy crawlies!

It was clear to see from all the smiles around the room that the children from the schools all had a brilliant day. I also had some really lovely chats with some of the kids, they were telling me everything about themselves, really opened up and one little boy even asked me to sign his cast from his broken arm.”

Martin Dunne, 4Com Sales Director:

“It was really lovely to see the children having so much fun, and what was really special was even the children that couldn’t talk or were severely disabled you could see in their eyes they were having a great time. This really touched all of the sales team and gave them a real appreciation for giving something back to the community. This was a day to be very proud of how wonderful the sales team are and what a great ambassador’s they are to 4Com.”