Express parcel delivery firm DPD UK has donated the first-ever electric Variety Sunshine Coach to Rotherhithe Primary School, marking a historic milestone in the 30-year partnership between DPD UK and Variety, the Children's Charity.
This marks the 83rd Sunshine Coach donated by DPD UK, 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.
The coach was formally handed over at DPD UK’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.
Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety, the Children’s Charity, said:
"We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved for children with DPD UK through our 30-year partnership. Today marks a historic moment with the donation of the first ever electric Variety Sunshine Coach. DPD UK have 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.K. 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 UK. 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.”
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 UK 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.”
For more information about the Variety Sunshine Coach programme and how it helps children across the UK, visit www.variety.org.uk
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About Variety, the Children’s Charity
- Part of a worldwide charity, Variety, the Children’s Charity, was formed in the UK in 1949. Since then, it has raised more than £300 million, to help children and young people throughout the country who are disabled or disadvantaged.
- Variety believes that neither disability nor disadvantage should prevent any child from reaching their full potential. That’s why Variety provides practical help, through a wide range of services, that makes an immediate improvement to the quality of the lives of the children and young people whom it supports.
About DPD UK
- DPD is a member of Geopost, a European leader in parcel delivery and solutions for e-commerce. Part of the La Poste Groupe.
- The company operates more than 10,000 vehicles in the UK from 85 locations and delivers over 360 million parcels a year.
- DPD UK topped the Money Saving Expert parcel delivery customer satisfaction poll for the ninth time in 2024.
- Currently, 35% of DPD’s van fleet is all-electric while 95% of the HGV fleet runs on biofuel. The company is on track to be Net Zero by 2040.
- Details of all DPD’s sustainability initiatives can be found on its dedicated sustainability website: https://sustainability.dpd.co.uk/
