The Bingo Association has donated a new Variety Sunshine Coach to Corbets Tey School in Upminster, marking another major milestone in its longstanding partnership with Variety – the Children’s Charity. The donation represents the 38th Sunshine Coach funded through the Association’s support, made possible by more than £2 million raised over the past six years.
The coach was officially presented by Nicole Garrett, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, during a special ceremony attended by Victor Odulate and Paul Clark from the nearby Mecca Bingo Club in Romford, alongside Laurence Guinness, Chief Executive of Variety – the Children’s Charity.
Corbets Tey School, based in Upminster, Essex, supports children and young people aged 4 to 19 with complex learning needs. The school operates across two sites, including a post-16 provision in Rainham.
The new Sunshine Coach will provide pupils with greater access to educational visits, social activities, and opportunities within the wider community, helping to support their learning, independence, and personal development. The specially adapted vehicle will play an important role in ensuring students can enjoy rich and varied experiences beyond the classroom and reach their full potential.
Variety’s Sunshine Coaches are vital in helping schools such as Corbets Tey provide opportunities that may otherwise be inaccessible for disabled and disadvantaged children. The vehicles enable safe and inclusive transport to educational, recreational, and community-based activities.
Nicole Garrett reflected on the impact of the partnership, saying: “We’re honoured to support Corbets Tey School. Raising more than £2 million and donating 38 Sunshine Coaches is a testament to the incredible generosity of bingo players and staff across the country. Seeing the direct impact these coaches have on children’s lives makes every fundraising effort truly worthwhile.”
Susan Cumbers- Learning and Development Lead at Corbets Tey School, expressed heartfelt thanks: “I would like to thank the Bingo Association for this generous donation. This is more than just a minibus; it is a vital bridge between our classroom learning and the world beyond our gates. It provides our students with the ‘real-world’ learning environments they need to master functional life skills that are essential for their progress and their ultimate transition into adulthood. In addition to sports and shopping, this minibus facilitates a wide range of cultural and vocational experiences. Providing the means for these trips helps our students build social confidence, relationship skills, and a true sense of belonging within their community.
Laurence Guinness, CEO of Variety, added: “We are thrilled to present a Sunshine Coach to this wonderful school and deeply appreciate The Bingo Association’s continued generosity. Every coach helps us move closer to our mission of improving the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children. This 38th donation from the £2 million raised is a powerful example of what can be achieved through community support.”
Originally published on Coinslot on June 1, 2026. Republished with permission.