PUPILS FROM LEICESTER’S FOREST LODGE PRIMARY SCHOOL MEET THE CAST OF BARNUM

On Thursday 11 September, pupils from Forest Lodge Primary School in New Parks, Leicester will be presented with a bespoke Sunshine Coach at Curve by the cast of Barnum – including its lead stars Brian Conley and Linzi Hateley.

The specially designed vehicle, donated by The Mackintosh Foundation to Variety, will be presented to Forest Lodge Primary School and will be used to transport the children on a number of educational and social outings.

After the presentation, the children enjoy the matinée performance of Barnum followed by refreshments also sponsored by The Mackintosh Foundation.

Nicolas Mackintosh, Foundation Appeals Director for The Mackintosh Foundation said:

“We are very proud to be sponsoring this Variety Sunshine Coach. We are delighted to offer support to disadvantaged children and young people who deserve to participate in every aspect of school life and to spread their wings into the community.  This coach will enable them to do this.”

“Forest Lodge Primary School are delighted with the generous contribution that the Mackintosh foundation and Variety the Children’s Children’s Charity have provided. The Sunshine coach looks fabulous and the children are extremely grateful. The coach will be a great asset to all of the pupils at Forest Lodge giving them opportunities to attend many educational and sporting events which will enhance the in-school provision throughout the curriculum. We can’t wait to see Barnum this afternoon at Curve on our first Sunshine Coach outing.”

Trevor Green, Variety’s Chief Barker said,

“Since 1962, we have donated over 5,300 Sunshine Coaches – that’s more than 100 a year. Variety’s specialist minibuses ensure that children can interact with the world around them and experience a fun, entertaining and educational environment, whilst ensuring they are transported as safely as possible. With the support of organisations like The Mackintosh Foundation, Variety can continue to highlight that being disabled or disadvantaged need not be a barrier to getting the most out of life.”  

To date, Variety, the Children’s Charity, has provided 5310 specialist buses. In the last three years alone, 60,000 young people have benefited from the increased freedom that a Sunshine Coach provides, and a further 24,000 trips are planned this year.  For the schools and community groups who use Variety’s Sunshine Coaches, it means much easier access to a whole range of activities, including sports, educational visits and community projects.