A Hackney-based boating club for young people has a new “bigger, better and more powerful” minibus, thanks to City firm 4most Europe.

Laburnum Boat Club unveiled its new 17-seater Variety Sunshine Coach at a special event on Thursday, April 26, 2018.

For ten years the club used a 15-seater minibus. But when it became increasingly unreliable and too expensive to maintain, the Club turned to Variety for help.

Jim Armstrong, Co-ordinator at the Club said:

The new Sunshine Coach is bigger, better and more powerful. The Variety Sunshine coach fits the bill. We did our research and found that Variety could provide the vehicle for us”

4most Europe, a specialist risk consultancy has funded the coach through a mix of staff fundraising through challenges and a company donation.

Mark Sisson, Chief Executive of 4most Europe said:

“We are really thrilled to be donating this Variety bus to such a worthy cause. Both 4most’s founders are keen boaties and the fact that our bus will enable less privileged children to enjoy mucking around in the water is for us the perfect choice.”

The Club gives 9 to 18-year-olds an opportunity to learn new skills and build their confidence while participating in a range of water-based activities such as kayaking. Many of the Club’s beneficiaries include young people with physical and learning disabilities

The Club is open seven days a week. Young people make the most of the Club during school holidays and after school as well as on weekends.

Colleen Ettridge, Head of Fundraising at Variety, said:

“Variety is delighted to be providing this coach to the Laburnum Boat Club and giving the young people at the club the opportunity to be transported safely to activities across the UK as well as overseas. We are extremely grateful to our supporter 4most Europe for funding this Sunshine Coach.”