The difference a Sunshine Coach makes
Daisy is a caring and thoughtful 17-year-old girl who attends Anson Street School in the Central West NSW city of Orange.
Daisy’s Mum, Anna, describes her daughter as a very sweet, funny girl that has experienced many challenges living with a neurodegenerative condition that affects every aspect of her life including her mobility, speech and cognitive ability.
“Daisy went to Anson Street School three years ago at the end of Year 9 when mainstream school had become a bit too hard,” said Anna.
“We knew Anson Street would give Daisy great opportunities that she wouldn’t otherwise get.”
One such opportunity arrived on four wheels earlier this year when the school was granted a Variety Sunshine Coach.
Variety Sunshine Coaches provide transport for children who are sick, living with a disability, experiencing disadvantage or geographic isolation.
Anson Street School Principal, Melanie, said the unique, 22-seater vehicle is fitted with wheelchair modifications that enable Daisy and her friends to spend time together enjoying a diverse array of school excursions, extra-curricular activities and local community events.
“If you came to our school and saw the joy that having something like a Sunshine Coach gives a child, it just makes such a big difference,” she said.
“Daisy is one of our school leaders and she wants to be involved in everything. That’s one the most amazing things we find with having our Variety Sunshine Coach, that Daisy, and other students who have lower mobility, can get out to everything that every other student can access.”
Anson Street Deputy Principal, Jodie
From school excursions to work experience, Daisy loves having the chance to participate fully in school and community life.
Daisy’s Dad, Gareth, says, “Isolation is a real risk for a lot of these kids, so establishing those networks makes all the difference. The Sunshine Coach gets her out and she comes back ten foot tall and bullet proof after those experiences.”
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Variety believes all kids deserve a fair go. We help kids 0 – 18 years of age who are living with sickness, disadvantage or have special needs.