In a ground-breaking move, express parcel delivery firm DPD has donated the first-ever electric Variety Sunshine Coach to Rotherhithe Primary School, marking a historic milestone in the 30-year partnership between DPD and Variety, the Children’s Charity.

This marks the 83rd Sunshine Coach donated by DPD, further solidifying the company’s role as the largest contributor to Variety’s Sunshine Coach programme, which provides vital transportation for children with disabilities and those in disadvantaged communities. 

The new electric coach, which will be used by Rotherhithe Primary School to help transport students on educational trips, sports activities, and community outings, represents a significant step towards sustainability in the charity’s fleet of vehicles. The fully electric vehicle will not only reduce carbon emissions but will also provide reliable and comfortable transport for children to access the vital opportunities and experiences they need to support their learning and growth. 

Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, said:

“We continue to support Variety year after year because of the fantastic work they do and because it remains a hugely popular cause with our whole team. We know these coaches make a world of difference to schools, but this one a bit special for us too. 30 years and the first electric coach, makes us very proud of this partnership and it gives us enormous pleasure to handover the keys to Rotherhithe Primary School.”   

The Variety Sunshine Coach programme has been instrumental in supporting children with special needs, disabilities, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring they have access to life-changing experiences. By providing this coach, DPD is helping to ensure that children at Rotherhithe Primary School can continue to benefit from these vital opportunities for years to come. 

Galiema Amien-Cloete, Executive Headteacher of Rotherhithe Primary School, part of Nexus Education Schools Trust (NEST), said:

“We are delighted to be a beneficiary and the recipient of the first all-electric Variety Sunshine Coach, which will play a crucial role in supporting the curriculum, providing our students enrichment opportunities vital to their growth and learning. Field trips, sports events and after school activities will compliment classroom learning and extend learning and provision beyond the classroom. For our learners it is an example of innovation which supports environmental responsibility, cares for our planet, and provides opportunities beyond the local environment.”

Paula Farrow OBE, NEST CEO, said:

“We are thrilled to introduce this electric coach as part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprint and enhance our educational programmes. In using an electric vehicle, we are not only contributing to a cleaner greener future but also setting a positive example for our students and communities.”