Eligibility Criteria

  • Is a B.C. resident
  • Caring for a child/children with special needs, and have a demonstrated need for a wheelchair accessible van.
  • Owners must complete an application form for a “Sunshine Van”, including providing supporting documentation as required by Variety’s granting process (see “Supporting Documents” below).
  • Cannot be receiving funds for a new van or van conversion from any other not-for-profit organization or program.
  • Must agree to terms and conditions of the “Sunshine Van” program, including having a valid drivers license in good standing.
  • Family is required to sign a media release and conditions letter, if selected.

Selection Criteria 

  • Availability of a van is dependent on funds raised.
  • Location of the recipient is taken into consideration.
  • Families most in need, and/or a child’s condition may be prioritizing factors.
  • Vans are selected by Variety, and will be a standard conversion (with one rear van ramp and tie downs for one wheelchair).

Supporting Documents

  • Completed Application
  • Letter of Justification (from healthcare referral stating diagnosis and need for van)
  • Notice of Assessment
  • Driver’s Abstract from ICBC

Need Assistance?

Together, with our donors, we support children with special needs and organizations who provide services to children in every corner of our province.

Call 1-800-381-2040 or Contact Us

Dear Variety Family,

During the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) global situation, our highest priority is the health, safety and well-being of our Variety donors, families, members, supporters, volunteers and all British Columbians.

Variety BC has been here for more than 50 years ensuring kids with special needs thrive. I would like to assure you that during this uncertain time, we will continue to be here for BC’s kids with special needs.

I also would like to provide you with an update on our response to date and our commitment to you moving forward:

  • In keeping with the BC Centre for Disease Control’s recommendations, we will be postponing all Variety events between March 16th and April 30th including our One Night in the Valley Gala on Saturday, April 4th at the Glass House Estate Winery
  • We have closed the Variety Office as a precautionary measure and are having employees set up to work-from-home. All in-person meetings will be moved to teleconference. We will evaluate working “virtually” on a week-to-week basis while actively monitoring the evolution of this global pandemic and returning to regular operating procedures once health authorities deem it safe for our staff to do so.
  • Due to our office closure, we have postponed the shipping of Robert Bateman’s Woodworkers – Pilated Woodpeckers posters and our Variety water bottles. Anyone looking for tax receipts will receive them via email
  • With the closure of BC’s schools, the need to ensure our kids are supported has never been so great. As such, our Heart of Variety Fund will continue to accept grant accept applications by e-mail.
    Like all of you, we will monitor the COVID-19 situation and communicate with you on important health and safety measures and decisions regarding events regularly.

We encourage you to stay informed by visiting BC Centre for Disease Control’s website at www.bccdc.ca and the Government of Canada’s website at www.canada.ca/en/publichealth/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.

We are grateful for your support as we navigate through this uncertain time.

Thank you,


Cally Wesson
CEO – Variety BC