Villa Maria founder steps up to help kids

Thursday 13th May 2010

Sir George Fistonich follows in the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hilary and joins Dame Kiri Te Kanawa on a charity to help children.

Fistonich has become a Vice Patron of Variety - The Children's Charity in New Zealand.

"We are delighted to welcome long term member Sir George as a Vice Patron of Variety, and are honoured that he has chosen to follow in the footsteps of former Vice Patron Sir Edmund Hilary in supporting Variety and Kiwi kids," Variety chief executive Lorraine Taylor says.

The charity is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary in New Zealand.

"Variety is fortunate to have the support of a number of celebrities and high profile business people, including our Patron Dame Cath Tizard, as ambassadors, members and on our Board of Directors, and we are pleased to welcome Sir George to the team," Taylor says.

"Having built a successful company through recognising and nurturing young talent I welcome the opportunity to play a part in helping to enrich the lives of those children less fortunate," Sir George said.

Variety - The Children's Charity's vision is to help sick, disabled and disadvantaged Kiwi kids to reach their full potential - this is done through a series of grants which help fill the gaps that other organisations or the government can't or won't fill.

Since its inception in 1989, Variety has distributed over $11.7 million in grants to children.

Sir George Fistonich founded Villa Maria Estate in Auckland in 1961.

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