Each year, at the International Conference, the work of Variety worldwide is celebrated in one of the eleven countries and over 40 Tents where Variety is located.
THE CONFERENCE BRINGS TOGETHER VARIETY CREW, BARKERS, SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS IN AN ATMOSPHERE THAT IS FRIENDLY, YET BUSINESS LIKE, TO LEARN FROM EACH OTHER IN ORDER TO GROW THE CHAPTERS AND PROVIDE MORE ASSISTANCE FOR THE CHILDREN WE SERVE AROUND THE WORLD.
Every year since 1938 Variety has bestowed the Humanitarian Award on deserving individuals who have helped change the world. Past recipients include Sir Winston Churchill, Dr Albert Schweitzer, J. Edgar Hoover, HRH, Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, Bob Hope, Danny Kaye, Dr Henry Kissinger, Frank Sinatra, Dame Vera Lynn, HRH Princess Anne, Sammy Davis Jnr, Audrey Hepburn, Sir Edmund Hillary, Roger Moore, Buzz Aldrin, Simon Cowell and many more.
Three highly coveted awards are presented at Variety’s International Conference:
- The Sir James Carreras Award to a physician who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication in the field of paediatrics.
- The Catherine Variety Sheridan Award to a person who demonstrates outstanding achievements for children living in disadvantage or with special needs.
- The Humanitarian Award to a person who demonstrates understanding, empathy and devotion to mankind.
Barbados has been priviledged to host the conference twice. The first time, in the year 2001, Variety International honoured Harry Belafonte at the Awards Ceremony at Almond Resort. Barbados was again honoured to host the Variety International World Conference in May, 2014. The conference featured Mr. Miles Hilton Barber, Blind Motivational Speaker and Mr. Stephen Mally, Certified Fund Raising Executive and others. The Awards, including the Variety Catherine Sheridan Award given to Senator Kerry-Ann F. Ifill, were presented by the Prime Minister of Barbados, Rt. Hon. Freundel Stuart, Q.C M.P.