It all began with one abandoned baby. Today, the Grand Draw helps Variety, the Children’s Charity, provide life-changing support to children and families across the Island
Variety’s story began almost 100 years ago with the faint sound of a baby crying in an empty theatre. Today, that same promise – to help every child thrive, belong and reach their full potential, regardless of disability or circumstance – lives on here in Jersey.
In Pittsburgh in 1927, 11 theatre owners were playing cards backstage at the Sheridan Square Theatre when they heard a baby crying in the auditorium.
When they investigated, they found a one-month-old girl with a note pinned to her clothing: “Please take care of my baby. Her name is Catherine. I can no longer take care of her. I have eight others. My husband is out of work.” It was signed simply, “A heartbroken mother.”
The men tried to find Catherine’s parents, but when their efforts were unsuccessful, they made an extraordinary decision: Together, they would become her eleven “godfathers”, taking responsibility for her care, education and future. They named her Catherine Variety Sheridan.
As Catherine’s story spread, donations of money, clothing and other essentials poured in, far more than one baby could use. Rather than refuse the surplus, the men used it to support other children in need, giving rise to Variety – The Children’s Charity.
Good ol’ Billy Butlin and friends
The Variety spirit reached Jersey in 1968, with Sir Billy Butlin among the founders of the Island’s branch.
For 58 years, local supporters have helped turn kindness into practical support for children living with disabilities, illness or financial hardship. All the money Variety Jersey raises stays in Jersey.
Over the years, Variety Jersey’s achievements have become a valued part of Island life. The charity began by providing Sunshine Coaches to schools and has since extended its support to youth clubs and community organisations.
This year, Variety Jersey played a leading role in creating a £460,000 sensory room and quiet garden at Mont à l’Abbé School. It has also improved play areas across the Island and helped to develop hydrotherapy and sensory facilities at Oakwell Children’s Respite Home.
Variety has also supported early-years provision. It contributed £75,000 towards the recently completed building works at Happy Hatchlings Nursery. The charity also funded four nursery practitioners and provided specialist toys for a shared resource serving 26 nurseries.
Alongside these projects comes the quieter help: a cot, a wheelchair repair or the chance to join friends on a school trip. Variety works with families, schools and health professionals to find what each child needs. At Christmas, it helps families facing financial pressures
put presents under the tree, bringing children joy and giving parents one less worry.
And we have big plans for 2027 – supporting children in Jersey! Buying a Grand Draw ticket helps that work continue, and all money raised stays in Jersey.
The 2026 Grand Draw
Picture yourself driving a brand-new Dacia Duster Extreme Hybrid from Bagot Road Garage, iCarbuyer’s Car of the Year 2025. This stylish, five-door SUV combines 155hp hybrid power, with automatic transmission and there’s no need to plug it in. It is ready for everyday journeys, family outings and weekends exploring the Island.
Bagot Road Garage has been a tremendous supporter of Variety Jersey, helping make this headline prize possible and contributing a large proportion of the cost of this promotion.
Its team’s generosity gives us the opportunity to reach more Islanders and sell more tickets for local children.
As the family-owned business celebrates 100 years in Jersey, we are delighted to share this milestone with them. A century serving the Island and a prize that could make one ticket holder’s year.
Thank you to Aaron Falle and everyone at Bagot Road Garage for getting behind Variety and the children our draw benefits.
And the best part…
By supporting Variety Jersey’s work, you could drive away in the award-winning Dacia or win one of 19 other prizes.
Top prizes
Second prize is £5,000 cash. Third prize is a ten-night, all-inclusive stay in St Lucia for two adults, plus £500 towards flights. Fourth prize is £3,000 cash, followed by a further £1,000 cash prize.
Other prizes include a £1,000 Romerils voucher, a Riley folding e-bike, return flights for two from Jersey with Loganair, hotel stays, and vouchers for Co-op, Randalls, Romerils and The Hidden Garden.
Christmas treats, fitness sessions, football coaching and more are also available; see the full prize list online.
The Grand Draw will take place at The Boat House on Thursday 26 November.
Tickets are available online and from our volunteer team across Jersey.
Scan the QR code below or visit raffle.varietyjersey.org.je to buy your tickets today.
Every ticket offers the chance to win a fantastic prize while helping a child in Jersey receive the support they need.
