Variety WA has secured the biggest gift in the organisation’s history. Greg Johnson reports on the story behind the $1 million donation.

Variety WA has secured the biggest gift in the organisation’s history. Greg Johnson reports on the story behind the $1 million donation.

Variety WA has received the biggest donation in the organisation’s history after Desmar Properties donated $1 million to the organisation. The donation came after the successful auction of a commercial office and warehouse complex constructed by Desmar Properties, with the help of its business partners, for the purpose of raising funds.

The donation is a significant boost for Variety WA, which had a net fundraising result of $3.57 million in the previous financial year. That income result was over $400,000 greater than the previous financial year and has grown from $1.45 million in 2007, demonstrating how its funding has grown significantly in recent years.

Variety WA chief executive officer Michael Pailthorpe thanked Desmar Properties managing director Mark Taddei and his wife Deseree for their donation.

“Mark and Deseree are a wonderful example of the philanthropic movement growing within Western Australia and we are indebted to Desmar Holdings, LandCorp and the many suppliers and tradies who have made this project possible,” said Pailthorpe. “$1 million is a huge contribution that will change the lives of thousands of WA kids in need.”

LandCorp provided the land at Bibra Lake to Desmar Properties on flexible terms for the project, while other suppliers donated or offered discounted materials and labour to maximise the possible donation. The building will now be used by Magellan Power, after the company’s owner Masoud Abshar purchased the space.

“My wife Deseree and I wanted to give something back to the community – by giving 100% of net profits from the development of one of our buildings, we felt we could make a significant contribution to Variety,” Mark Taddei said.

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