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Newcastle Herald
Newcastle Herald
National
Madeline Link

Kids and carers jump for joy at Variety Children's Charity Christmas bash

Jack Digney, 9, with Santa and Mrs Claus at the Variety Christmas party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Charlize West-Richards, 11, gets her face painted at the party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Sebastian, 10, and Sofia Scibilia, 12, having a blast on the teacup ride at the Variety Christmas party held at McDonald Jones Stadium on Wednesday. Picture by Marina Neil.
Ann and Hayden Rowe, 2, blow bubbles at the party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Isabella McLaughlin-White, 17, with her face painted. Picture by Marina Neil.
Isabella Farrell, 16, is all smiles at the Christmas party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Hayden Rowe, 2, enjoying bubbles at the party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Aloura Connor, 10, feeding Caramel the pig with Indra from Sweet Valley Petting Zoo. Picture by Marina Neil.
Jack Digney at the Variety Christmas party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Jack Digney, 9, with Santa and Mrs Clause at the Variety Christmas party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Woody and Buzz Lightyear entertain the kids at the party. Picture by Marina Neil.
Tennyson Moloi, 10, and Mehki Frost, 3, doing art and craft. Picture by Marina Neil.
Postman Pat, Sarah Delaney, Hunter Delaney, 9, and Marshall O'Brien, 1. Picture by Marina Neil.
Locklan Deen, 13, on the teacup ride. Picture by Marina Neil.

JACK Digney wasn't the only one jumping with joy at the ultimate Variety Children's Charity Christmas party, where everyone's accepted.

More than 1,500 kids who are sick, disadvantaged or living with a disability along with their parents and carers celebrated the first in-person celebration on Wednesday since COVID-19 hit, with a special visit from superheroes and celebrities Santa and Mrs Claus.

For parents and carers - it was a day full of laughter and smiles without fear of judgement.

Kellie Nadilo and her son Jack Digney, 9, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and ADHD, were thrilled to get out of the house for some fun.

"With children as severe as Jack it's nice to come to an inclusive event," Ms Nadilo said.

"I can't take him to the circus or normal places, so coming somewhere like this that's very accepting of disabilities is great because a lot of kids don't get the opportunity.

"For him to be able to have an outing and enjoy himself without any issues is everything."

The party was the first in-person event since COVID-19 hit, and kids enjoyed rides, a petting zoo, art and craft, face painting, bongo drums and a silent disco.

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