Sunshine Coaches 

Above: It’s smiling faces all around as Tent 47 Chief Barker Bob Stewart hands over the keys on delivery of British Columbia 
Sunshine Coach #489 to the Nanaimo Unique Kids Organization. Photo Credit: Peter Chipman

Variety's Sunshine Coach program is a global initiative that provides specially equipped passenger vans to transport children with physical limitations to and from medical facilities, special events, and enrichment programs in communities around the world as well as bring medical equipment, supplies, and assistance to children living in difficult to reach locations. Sunshine Coaches also provide transportation for underprivileged children to and from after-school programs as well as special events.

The inspiration for the Sunshine Coach program came in 1962, when Great Britain's Chief Barker at the time, Leslie Macdonnell, visited Queen Mary's Hospital in Surrey. During his visit, he met an 8-year-old girl who was bedridden with an incurable illness. His persistence in finding a way for her to experience fresh air and sunshine spawned the idea of customizing motor coaches to transport handicapped and underprivileged kids.


Left: Sunshine Coach Presentation by Variety New South Wales.
Below Right: Sunshine Coach presented by Variety South Australia. 



Sunshine Coaches are distributed through an application process whereby requests from non-profit children's organizations are evaluated by Variety Tents with regard to vehicle type, intended use, ability to operate and maintain vehicle, etc. Sponsors are actively sought among corporations, private businesses, foundations, clubs, and individuals to help offset operation and maintenance costs.

Over 10,000 vehicles have been put on the road worldwide since the inception of the program.