Over 530 specially equipped vans have been placed on the roads of British Columbia. These coaches are donated to children’s organizations throughout the province to help transport children in comfort and safety to places of education, recreation, and therapy. Help us give kids the gift of mobility and independence.
Thank you for your interest in the Variety Sunshine Coach Program. To apply for a Sunshine Coach, please read the following and complete and submit the application below.
The Sunshine Coach Program is one of Variety's most established and successful programs and the number of requests for Coaches has been increasing each year. The Program's funds are limited, therefore, to meet the needs of our many applicants, Variety requests that groups making an application for a Sunshine Coach become directly involved in contributing 50% or more of the funds required for the purchase of the vehicle. Please note that if you wish to recognize the donors that are contributing to your share of the cost, their donation must be made directly to Variety. Variety reserves the right to restrict the number of such donors recognized on the Coach.
Sunshine Coaches are tailored to the needs of the recipient with the emphasis on safety and comfort. The vehicles range in size and sophistication from 12 to 72 seats, with special equipment and hydrolic lifts for wheelchair passengers. All applications are considered and evaluated on the basis of the Program's criteria. Should your application be successful, please note that the total cost of a 15 passenger coach is approximately $39,000 and $90,000 for a 72 passenger coach. These are the two most common sizes. Other custom sizes are priced on an individual basis. If your vehicle requires wheelchair accessibilty - a hydraulic lift, raised roof and tie-downs are approximately an additional $21,000. These dollar estimates are subject to change.
We look forward to receiving your completed Sunshine Coach Application. If you have any questions concerning this application, please contact Peter Chipman at peter.chipman@variety.bc.ca or Viola Chan at viola.chan@variety.bc.ca
Many people who raise funds for Variety - The Children's Charity earmark theor efforts for the Sunshine Coach Program. Individuals or organizations that donate $1047 or more are entitled to have their names placed on a Sunshine Coach to serve as a constant reminder of the donor's generosity and thoughtfulness in fulfilling such a vital transportation need. Over the years, this program has become very popular as fundraisers see the results of their efforts on the roads of our province.
Many corporations, businesses, foundations, clubs and individuals derive great satisfaction from donating a Sunshine Coach for chidlren's organizations that are active in their community. Often, Sunshine Coaches are donated in honour or in memory of a person to perpetuate a name. Corporations may wish to recognize a landmark anniversary with the donation of a Variety Sunshine Coach.
