#215 'From fundraiser to Charity CEO, helping lift children out of poverty', Susan Glasgow CEO Variety NZ

Welcoming Susan Glasgow, CEO of Variety New Zealand, to Purposely where she shares her charity's mission to lift children out of poverty and discusses her journey from a fundraiser to the leader of a nonprofit organisation. We will also delve into the captivating origin story of the Variety movement, tracing its beginnings in early 1900s Pittsburgh, USA, to its current role in making a positive impact on young lives globally.

Variety New Zealand's vision is clear: all children in Aotearoa should realise their hopes and dreams. With a purpose to raise vital funds to tackle child poverty and create opportunities for children to thrive, Variety has become a cornerstone of support for disadvantaged youth in New Zealand.

Variety's roots trace back to 1927 when a group of actors in Pittsburgh took in a child left on their theatre doorstep. This act of kindness sparked the creation of the Variety Club, which soon began fundraising for children in need. Today, Variety operates as a global movement, with each country adapting to local needs while sharing a common goal of supporting disadvantaged children.

Established about 35 years ago, Variety New Zealand has evolved from event-based fundraising to a more focused approach. Their flagship programme, Kiwi Kid Sponsorship, matches donors with children living in poverty, providing crucial support where it's needed most.

Susan Glasgow, who joined as CEO in 2020, reveals shocking statistics about child poverty in New Zealand: 143,700 children live in poverty (as of June 2023); 1 in 6 kids in New Zealand will suffer food insecurity at some point in their childhood; and 1 in 10 children in the poorest communities doesn't have a bed of their own.

Variety New Zealand works closely with initiatives like Healthy Homes, providing beds for children who would otherwise sleep on floors or sofas. They also partner with Sport New Zealand to break down financial barriers preventing children from participating in sports and recreational activities.

Glasgow emphasises the resilience and resourcefulness of families living in poverty, challenging the stigma often associated with seeking help. "People who are putting their hands up to ask for help are the ones who are putting their children first," she states.

The Kiwi Kid Sponsorship programme has shown significant results. Children sponsored through Variety for four years’ experience about 50% less material hardship compared to those on the waitlist. This improvement spans various aspects of life, from school essentials to food security and housing stability.

Since Glasgow joined Variety in 2020, the waitlist for sponsorship has grown from 300 to 3,000 children. The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent economic challenges have exacerbated the need, pushing more families into hardship.

Despite these challenges, Variety New Zealand raised over £10 million last year, distributing about £6 million in grants. However, the need continues to outpace available resources.

As Variety New Zealand continues its vital work, Glasgow and her team remain committed to raising awareness about child poverty and the transformative power of sponsorship. They strive to bridge the gap between those who have and those who have less, ensuring every child in New Zealand can reach their full potential.

Susan Glasgow's journey to becoming CEO of Variety New Zealand is a testament to the power of diverse experiences. With a background in performing arts and literature, Glasgow spent 12 years in the UK, where she transitioned into fundraising at Westminster School. Returning to New Zealand in 2007, she applied her expertise at the University of Auckland Business School before joining Variety in 2020. Her role as CEO combines her fundraising acumen with her passion for helping children access opportunities, a cause she had personally supported as a Variety Kiwi Kid sponsor since 2016.

To learn more about Variety New Zealand and how you can support their mission, Here