Charity has always been close to our hearts here at Club 3000 Bingo, and as a member of the Bingo Association we get the opportunity to raise money for Variety - The Children's Charity.

We couldn't do it without the generous donations from our members!

We were so happy to hand over the keys for a Variety Sunshine Coach to North Ridge High School in Manchester. This marks the 36th coach funded by the Bingo Association over the past six years, contributing to the £2 million they have raised for Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Pictured presenting the coach is Donna Kunyo and Zoe Greenwood from our club in Middleton, along with the Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Paul Andrews, Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association and Head Teacher Shauna Johnson.

North Ridge High School is a specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school operating across two sites: one catering to students from Year 7 to 6th Form, and a HUB exclusively for 6th Form students. The school is dedicated to fostering individuality and success for all its students, tailoring teaching methods to suit a variety of learning styles and ensuring every child can reach their full potential. The donated Sunshine Coach will serve the school as its student intake grows, enhancing opportunities for trips to places like Sea Life, local parks, museums, work experience venues, and swimming facilities. These outings are vital for building independence, social skills, and community integration.

Variety’s Sunshine Coaches have had a transformative impact across the UK, enabling schools to take disabled and disadvantaged children on educational and recreational trips that might otherwise be inaccessible. The new coach will become a valuable resource for North Ridge, promoting learning and development both in and beyond the classroom.

Mrs Johnson, Head of North Ridge High School, expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“We are so grateful to The Bingo Association for sponsoring the bus. This extra bus will make a significant difference in the lives of so many young people, fostering confidence, independence, and social communication skills. On behalf of everyone at the school, a huge thank you to The Bingo Association and Variety for their incredible support in improving lives every day!”

Lyn Staunton, Development Director at Variety, added:
“We are thrilled to present a Sunshine Coach to North Ridge High School and extend our thanks to The Bingo Association for their remarkable generosity. Each new coach on the road brings us closer to our goal of enhancing the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK. These vehicles provide invaluable access to activities outside the classroom, enriching the educational experience.”

Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, acknowledged the collective effort behind the achievement:
“We deeply appreciate the presence of Councillor Paul Andrews, the Lord Mayor of Manchester, and Club 3000 Bingo today. The unwavering support of bingo customers and staff across Great Britain has made this donation possible. Raising £2 million for Variety over the past six years is a phenomenal milestone, and seeing the direct impact on thousands of children’s lives makes it all the more worthwhile.”