Staff from leading wine distributor Pieroth Wine chose Thriftwood School in Chelmsford to raise money for a sunshine coach from their Summer 2015 charity fundraising drive. Pieroth staff took part in a variety of challenges and activities to help raise the money alongside the promotion with the firm’s customers who made generous cash donations.

Members of Pieroth’s sales team travelled from around the UK to be shown round the school in May and were able to return in September to see the fruits of their labour – a shiny new 17 seater Variety Sunshine Coach.

Photo: Thriftwood staff and pupils with Variety and Pieroth staff.

Photo: Head Teacher Mrs Georgina Pryke receives the keys from Pieroth’s Managing Director, Amanda Cox.

Jackie Harper, Academy Business Manager, Thriftwood School commented:

“We were delighted to give a presentation to representatives of Pieroth in June, and were very pleased to hear the news that they had chosen us as their fundraising charity for this year, to provide a donation towards the balance of the costs of the Coach. This new Coach will be a vital addition to our school and college, allowing us to improve upon our provision for the pupils and students in our care.”

Jason Lewis, Variety Chief Barker 2015 said:

“For many years, Pieroth and its valued customers have supported Variety’s work, now funding 13 Sunshine Coaches and so improving the lives of generations of children across the UK. It’s hard to put into words just how significant this is in helping to give a better childhood to very many disabled and disadvantaged children. Thank you”