Sunshine coaches
Sunshine Coaches are the best-known aspect of the Variety Club's work, 
perhaps because they are the most visible. Since the programme started almost fifty years ago, the sky-blue coaches with the sunshine logo have become a symbol for what young people can achieve when they are given the opportunity to explore the wider world.
They have allowed generations of children to explore, to be curious about new experiences, to bond with parents and carers, to feed their minds and fire their imaginations.
The coaches are presented to organisations that support sick, disabled or disadvantaged children up to 19 years old. Each coach represents a team fundraising effort between the school or organisation, the Variety Club and our corporate and individual sponsors. It's a very popular way for these generous donors to give something back to the local community.
5,000 vehicles have hit the road since 1962, many of them specially adapted for wheelchair users. For the schools and community groups who use them, the coaches mean much easier access to a whole range of activities, including sports, educational visits and community projects. In the last three years alone, 60,000 young people have benefited from the increased freedom that a Sunshine Coach provides.
More Information
For further information, please contact the Sunshine Coach Programme Manager Julie Thomas on 020 7428 8100 or email coaches@varietyclub.org.uk
How to apply
Please use the link to download the Sunshine Coach guidelines and application form
You will be visited by one or two members of the Sunshine Coach Committee who will produce a report for the Committee. The Committee will then decide if the application is to be approved and you will receive a letter advising you of the decision – we work very hard with groups to ensure we are able to say yes as often as possible.
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