DPD has donated the first-ever electric Variety Sunshine Coach to Rotherhithe Primary School, marking a historic milestone in the 30-year partnership between the express parcel delivery firm and children’s charity Variety.
It’s the 83rd Sunshine Coach donated by DPD and represents a significant step towards sustainability in the charity’s fleet of vehicles.
The fully electric vehicle will be used by Rotherhithe Primary School to help transport students on educational trips, sports activities and community outings, not only reducing carbon emissions but also providing reliable and comfortable transport for children to access the vital opportunities and experiences they need to support their learning and growth.
The coach was formally handed over at DPD’s new flagship Docklands sorting facility in Bromley-By-Bow. Docklands has capacity for 500 electric vehicles and will enable an all-electric DPD delivery service within London’s north and south circular area.
The donation of the vehicle bolsters DPD’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.
Laurence Guinness, chief executive of Variety, said: “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.”
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.”
