Alesha Dixon lights up London for Variety Club Gold Hearts

Written by James Gadsby-Peet 27th January 2010

Alesha Dixon lit up the London skyline this evening by unveiling a 160ft-high projection on Battersea Power Station to launch the 2010 Variety Club Gold Hearts Appeal, in conjunction with The Co-operative Group.

The Variety Club's Gold Heart badges will go on sale from 28th January 2010 in all Co-operative stores, H Samuel branches, Cineworld, Odeon and across all AHG/MWB venues including Malmaison, Liberty, Greens Health & Fitness, DeVere Venues and Village Hotels in addition to local retailers and from the Variety Club online shop, for a suggested minimum donation of £1.

The singer-songwriter, dancer, model and TV personality is the face of the 2010 Gold Hearts Appeal and has designed a limited-edition Gold Heart badge to raise money for The Variety Club children's charity. With help from some of the children benefitting from the charity's fantastic work, Alesha switched on the projection at the iconic London location to reveal her exclusive design for this year's badge.

The Variety Club Gold Heart is the original charity badge. Established in 1991, the badges have featured a different design every year and are popular collector's items. This year's design features the classic gold finish and Alesha's signature.

I'm honoured to be fronting the 2010 Gold Hearts Appeal. The Variety Club is a fantastic charity which every year helps thousands of children and young people. The projection is a great way to tell people about the campaign, although it is a bit overwhelming seeing your own image projected onto such a large building!

Every badge bought will make a real difference to someone's life. Just three badges will pay for an unforgettable day out for a young person, so I'm encouraging everyone to go out and buy them.

Alesha Dixon

 

Each Gold Heart badge sold will help to raise much-needed funds for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children and young people all over the country. For more than 60 years, The Variety Club has brought hope, independence and freedom to children and young people.

Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee last year, the charity has raised over £200m since its inception. Among its tireless work, the charity provides Sunshine Coaches, Easy Riders electric wheelchairs, exciting and educational trips, equipment for children's hospitals and life-enhancing equipment.

Together we will make a huge difference to so many children, young people and their families. The Gold Hearts Appeal will have a major impact on communities UK-wide.

All the money raised will help to provide essential services and support. Whether it is funding a new wheelchair or a bathroom hoist, a youth programme or a Sunshine coach, we believe all children and young people should be helped on their road to independence.

Paul Lawrence, Chief Barker of The Variety Club Children's Charity