Sidney’s Mackenzie Valgardson is once again campaigning for cash on behalf of Variety — The Children’s Charity. Mackenzie and 11 other kids from around the province kicked off the 10th annual Kids Coin Drive for Variety this week to raise money for children who have special needs. All of the kids involved in the coin drive have been helped in some way by Variety.
Mackenzie has Erythropoietic Protophotophyria, which means that she is allergic to sunlight and UV lighting. Sunlight and even the light emitted from regular light bulbs give Mackenzie blisters on her skin and can cause severe internal damage. Variety funded special windows for the Valgardson home and special clothing that protects her from the light — allowing her to enjoy daylight.
It’s Mackenzie’s fifth year fundraising for the coin drive that has raised more than $1.6 million over nine years.
For a complete list of drop locations or to donate online visit www.kidscoindrive.ca.
Businesses interested in becoming a coin drop off location should contact Andrew Forshner at andrew.forshner@variety.bc.ca or 1-800-381-2040.