DPD donates first all-electric Variety Sunshine Coach to Rotherhithe Primary school in UK

DPD has donated the first electric Variety Sunshine Coach to Rotherhithe Primary School in London UK, marking a milestone in its 30-year partnership with Variety, the Children’s Charity. 

Elaine Kerr, DPD UK CEO, highlighted the significance of the partnership: 

“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 is a bit special for us too. Thirty years and the first electric coach makes us very proud of this partnership, and it gives us enormous pleasure to hand over the keys to Rotherhithe Primary School.”

This donation is the 83rd Sunshine Coach provided by DPD, reinforcing its status as the largest contributor to the Variety Sunshine Coach program.

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

"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 complement classroom learning and extend learning and provision beyond the classroom. For our learners, it is an example of innovation that supports environmental responsibility, cares for our planet, and provides opportunities beyond the local environment."

The electric coach will enable students to participate in educational trips, sports events, and community activities. The vehicle supports sustainability by reducing carbon emissions while providing reliable transportation for students, particularly those with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The coach was officially handed over at DPD’s Docklands sorting facility in Bromley-by-Bow, which accommodates 500 electric vehicles. This facility supports DPD’s all-electric delivery operations within London’s north and south circular areas.

Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety, commented on the donation: 

"We are incredibly proud of what we've achieved for children with DPD through our 30-year partnership. Today marks a historic moment with the donation of the first-ever electric Variety Sunshine Coach. DPD has now donated an impressive 83 coaches, and DPD's ongoing generosity is transforming the lives of thousands of disabled and disadvantaged children across the U.S.

“The Variety Sunshine Coaches enable vulnerable children to participate in trips, engage in sports and activities, and connect with their community. We are deeply grateful to DPD. Their newest coach will make a meaningful difference for the children at Rotherhithe Primary School, both now and in the future."

Paula Farrow OBE, NEST CEO, added: “We are thrilled to introduce this electric coach as part of our ongoing efforts to promote sustainability, reduce carbon footprint, and enhance our educational programs.”