Who We Are – Variety Manitoba

A Manitoba-based children’s charity providing needs-based funding, inclusive programs, and critical support to help kids participate, thrive, and belong

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What we do

Discover Our Mission-driven Approach

Stepping in where government, healthcare, school divisions, and other funding sources end to provide proven solutions to enrich the lives of children in Manitoba living with special needs and experiencing economic disadvantage.

To be the charity of choice in Manitoba that helps every child in need so they can reach their full potential.

  • Collaboration – We work together with other partners in the community to ensure the needs of Variety children are met in the most efficient and timely manner possible.
  • Compassion – We demonstrate empathy and show a heartfelt passion and desire to help improve the lives of Variety children and their families.
  • Inclusion – We strive to create a world where all children play, learn and live together and are provided equal opportunity.
At Variety, the Children’s Charity of Manitoba, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential—regardless of the challenges they face. For families navigating life with a child living with disabilities or experiencing economic disadvantage, we step in where government, healthcare, school divisions, and other funding sources end. We provide proven solutions that make a real difference: grants for essential equipment and therapies, inclusive sport programs like hockey and bike camp, and community events that bring hope and joy to Manitoba families.
Last year alone, we helped more than 3,000 children access the therapy they needed to thrive. In 2024, we raised over $1 million in funding—resources that directly transform young lives across our province.
Together with families and donors across Manitoba, we’re building a community where every child has what they need to succeed. When gaps in support exist, we don’t wait—we step in and deliver.
Our Impact

$770,469 Spent on Program Delivery in Our 2024-2025 Fiscal Year

We made a positive difference in the lives of 3000 children and their families through our programs.
  • Variety’s Special Needs Program Family Grants 341
  • Variety’s Community Grants 695
  • Variety’s Volt Hockey Program 11
  • Variety Manitoba’s Bike Camp 80
  • Variety’s Camp Brereton 664
  • Variety at Work 200

“Isaiah's communication is improving everyday. He is able to have a meaningful socialization with his siblings and friends.”

Meet the team

Meet the Team Behind
Variety Manitoba’s Mission

Amanda Henry

Director of Development

Jeff Liba

Chief Executive Offficer

Kierra Koblun

Administration & Data Coordinator

Mobina Sharifi

Marketing Manager

Samantha Anderson

Program Coordinator

Board of Directors

Executive Directors

Matthew McMillan

Compliance Officer

Kyle Hendin

Treasurer

Leilani Kagan

Chairperson

Directors

Dr. John Ross Bonanni

Doug Dobrowolski

Gerry Loewen

Brent Rombough

Anthony Reimer

Our Partners