The Sunshine Coach Program provides specially equipped coaches to transport children with special needs.  The philosophy behind the program is to allow children the ability to get out into the sunshine.

The inspiration for the program came in 1962 when the Chief Barker of Great Britain, Sir Leslie Macdonnell, visited Queen Mary’s Hospital in Surrey, England.

During the visit he met an 8 year old girl that was bed ridden with an incurable illness.....and so the idea for the Sunshine Coach Program was formed.

Over 10,000 vehicles have been distributed around the world and last year Variety the Children's Charity Tasmania proudly supported Hazelwood Special School with the purchase of a Sunshine Coach so that all children would be able to participate in their community learning program.

A three way partnership was developed with the Tasmanian Community Fund, Hazelwood and Variety.

Variety also committed funds to the purchase of a coach for Hobart College students.