For nearly 60 years, Variety – the Children’s Charity has been a lifeline for B.C. families, ensuring that children with disabilities and complex health needs receive the care and support they deserve. Now, as the iconic Variety Show of Hearts Telethon returns on Sunday, February 23, CEO Andrea Tang is leading the charge to make an even greater impact.
With a star-studded lineup featuring Jay Baruchel, Ciara, Joe Jonas, Trish Stratus, Andrew Phung, Jann Arden, Barenaked Ladies, and more, the event promises an unforgettable mix of celebrity appearances, powerful performances, and heartwarming stories of transformation—all with one goal: to raise vital funds for kids in need.
We caught up with Andrea Tang to discuss this year’s telethon, the growing challenges facing B.C. families, and how every donation helps change a child’s future. —Noa Nichol
The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon has been a staple in B.C. for almost 60 years. What makes this year’s telethon especially significant?
In times of uncertainty, we’re reminded just how much community matters—and how, together, we can open life-changing doors of possibilities for BC’s children and youth. Right now, too many families caring for children with disabilities are facing overwhelming barriers—from navigating an overburdened healthcare system to affording essential therapies, assessments, and medical and adaptive equipment. Every day, we hear from families searching for answers and support, and today, more than 800 families remain on our waitlist—the highest in our history. The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon is our most crucial fundraising event of the year. Every donation brings us closer to providing the urgent support that children are waiting for today. The more we raise, the greater and more immediate impact we can have.to ensure these children have access to the resources they need to thrive.
With such a star-studded lineup of celebrity guests and performers, how do you choose who to involve, and what impact do they have on the telethon’s success?
We’re deeply grateful for the incredible artists and celebrities who generously give their time to make a difference for BC’s kids. Many of them are directly connected to the cause through their personal stories, whether it’s a family member, a friend, or their own complex needs. All of them dawn to Variety’s mission, to use their voices to inspire generosity and shine a light on the urgent need for support for children and youth with disabilities. It’s about more than star power—it’s about heart, purpose, and the strength of community. Their presence unites us, amplifies our collective impact, and helps ensure every child can access the critical support they need. When we come together, we create life-changing possibilities—and that’s the true magic of the Show of Hearts.
Variety provides life-changing support for kids with disabilities and complex health needs. Can you share some of the most heartwarming success stories that highlight the impact of donor contributions?
There are so many powerful stories to share. At Variety, we have the privilege of witnessing life-changing moments made possible by the generosity of our donors. Children are active and independently mobile first time, building confidence for the first time, feeling belonging and inclusion, understanding themselves and their challenges better, this is what drives us. But we don’t do this alone. These moments are only possible because of the strength of our community. Every donation helps us bridge critical gaps, giving children the chance to thrive, not just survive. Together, we’re creating a future full of possibilities, one child at a time.
The rising costs of living and healthcare challenges have increased the demand for support. How has Variety adapted to meet the growing needs of families in B.C.?
The overwhelming rise in living costs and challenges in navigating the healthcare system has created unprecedented demand for support, and families are feeling the pressure like never before. Variety has focused on addressing the most critical gaps, where the demand far exceeds the available resources. Early intervention is absolutely critical for these kids, so that’s where we want to be. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, and families are waiting for essential equipment, therapies, and assessments that are critical for their children’s development. We’re prioritizing access to the most vital support, ensuring children don’t miss out on life-changing interventions.
How does the telethon foster a sense of community and connection among viewers, donors, and the families you support?
The Variety Show of Hearts Telethon is not just about fundraising—it’s a movement that brings people together, creating a powerful sense of connection and shared purpose. Viewers, donors, and families unite to witness the impact of their donor dollars firsthand. Variety supports kids in over 245 communities—big and small—thanks to the generosity of donors, and the heartfelt family stories, inspiring performance, and the real-time generosity helps everyone understand what’s possible when we come together for a more inclusive B.C. where every child has the resources to live their fullest life.
What role does storytelling play in the telethon, and how do you ensure the stories of the children and families are shared with compassion and authenticity?
A: Storytelling is at the heart of the telethon, because it’s through these authentic, raw stories that we truly connect with viewers. The families we support open their hearts, sharing their journeys of struggle and triumph. Their courage and resilience inspire us all. We are committed to honoring these stories with the respect they deserve, highlighting the immense power of community and the life-changing impact of support. These families are our greatest advocates—they’ve lived the difference, and now they’re helping us create new opportunities for others.
For people new to Variety or the telethon, what would you say to inspire them to tune in or make a donation for the first time?
Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, but many are missing out on crucial support. Your donation today can change the trajectory of a child’s future. Whether it’s providing life-changing medical and adaptive equipment, specialized therapies, mental health counselling, educational support or more, your gift gives hope and opens doors to possibilities. With every dollar raised, you’re part of a collective movement to transform lives. Donations are being matched, doubling the impact. Don’t miss the chance to be part of something bigger—tune in, give, and help make a future full of hope for BC.’s kids.
The Show of Hearts Telethon has a long history. How has it evolved over the years, and what are some of the most memorable moments in its legacy?
For nearly 60 years, the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon has grown from a televised event into a powerful province-wide movement, transforming the lives of children with disabilities and complex health needs. At its heart is the real stories of families whose lives have been forever changed and the incredible generosity of British Columbians. That will always be true of Show of Hearts. There have been some incredible artists and celebrities supporting the cause, but the real highlights come directly from the families. The legacy of the Show of Hearts is built on the belief that when we unite, we can create life-changing possibilities for children. When we give, we give hope, possibilities, and empowerment—and that changes everything.
What are the key ways Variety uses donations to provide immediate and tangible benefits to families in need?
Variety provides immediate, life-changing support when families have nowhere else to turn. With 1 in 3 Variety parents identifying as single mothers, donations play a vital role in ensuring vulnerable families receive essential care. Contributions fund medical and mobility equipment, specialized therapies, mental health services, private assessments, and education support—giving children access to critical resources without long wait times. In 2024, nearly 18,000 donors helped Variety support over 15,000 children including 8,395 child grants across more than 245 communities – donors are the fuel for that, and every gift makes a difference
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for Variety and the telethon in the future? How do you envision growing your impact in B.C. and beyond?
My hope for Variety is a future where every child with disabilities and complex health needs has access to the support they need to thrive. A future where meaningful inclusion is the norm, not the exception. No child should be left behind yet too often, families face overwhelming challenges with nowhere to turn, while children are expected to navigate a world of barriers instead of those barriers being removed. We have both the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure they receive the critical support they need, when they need it most. Childhood happens once, and the right support early in life can transform a child’s future—and their family’s. The moment to create that future is now.
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