The Children’s Respite Trust is delighted to unveil our new minibus with the help of staff and supporters. The unveiling took place at Uckfield Rugby Club where principle sponsors, Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby, were present to hand over the keys.
The fundraising campaign for the minibus was launched at our annual Masquerade Ball in 2021 and was made a reality through an incredible grant from the Sussex branch of Wooden Spoon alongside donations from the Teddy Bear Run, Rose of England Lodge and Sussex Masonic Charitable Foundation. The grand total raised was an impressive £20,536 to make the dream project come true. The minibus was completed by the Sussex Sign company who designed and wrapped the vehicle to share the Trust’s message that ‘No family should have to care for a disabled child alone’.
Sandy Fleming Chairman of the Sussex Branch of Wooden Spoon said of the project:
“Sussex Wooden Spoon recognised that the need for this minibus was important enough to overlook our policy of only providing funding for static facilities such as, sensory rooms, outdoor play equipment or free standing buildings.”
The new Wooden Spoon minibus will give the disabled children supported at the Trust more opportunities to access their local community and take part in excursions that will further their development while bringing so much joy.
Verity Morris, the Trust’s Deputy Head of Care said
“We are so excited and grateful for this opportunity to make some amazing memories for the children we support and we already have some plans for new inspiring experiences for them”
The Children’s Respite Trust depends on the support of the local community to continue their work so the backing of projects like the minibus are critical. So thank you to all those involved in this Campaign’s success. and make sure to keep an eye out in the local community for our beautiful blue bus!