Variety brings sunshine to Hamlyn Views School

STUDENTS at Hamlyn Views School will be riding in style from now on, following the school’s reception of a new Sunshine Coach from Australian children’s charity Variety.

The special development school in Hamlyn Heights has been on Variety’s waitlist for a coach since 2017 – a year before the school opened – and gratefully accepted the vehicle from Variety executive partner Kellee Ireland and other Variety representatives during a visit on Thursday last week.

“This Sunshine Coach has been specially modified to accommodate two wheelchairs, ensuring that every student can benefit from its services,” Ms Ireland said.

“At Variety, we understand how important it is for children to get out and connect with their community, whether for swimming lessons, borrowing a book at the library or learning life skills such as going to a bank and opening an account.

“This coach enables everyone at Hamlyn Views School including those in wheelchairs to be afforded these opportunities.”

She said Variety and Hamlyn Views had worked together to jointly fully fund the full coast of the $83,000 coach.

“The fundraising efforts from our motoring events, community and corporate events are key to making this and other grants possible.

“Our heartfelt thanks is extended to those supporters and the work they do to fundraise.”

She said Variety donated about three of the Sunshine Coaches each year.

Operating in 40 countries around the world, Variety provides life-changing equipment and programs to children experiencing disadvantage, disability and illness.

As a registered charity, it receives no government funding, so is entirely reliant on donations and corporate funding to support its work.

Hamlyn Views School provides specialist education for children and young people with a moderate to profound intellectual disability and accepts enrolments from eligible students from Foundation to Year 12.

The school has been built to accommodate up to 168 students.