FOOTBALL stars Kris Boyd and Gordon Smith presented an Irvine school with a brand new minibus. Haysholm school’s new minibus – officially known as a Variety Sunshine Coach – was funded by The Crerar Trust in support of Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Gordon, an ex-Kilmarnock player and Kris, who currently plays for the Scottish Premiership club, created lovely memories for the children after signing some of their footballs.

They also enthused the staff and parents at the event, many of whom are great Killie supporters. Variety coach for Haysholm BY ANDY HAMILTON REPORTER Gordon Smith, Kris Boyd, Variety Scotland chairman Iain Forbes, head teacher Yvonne Gribben and guests with the minibus.

Tuesday October 9, 2018 www.irvinetimes.com NEWS 3 Head teacher Yvonne Gribben said: “The coach will unlock lots of opportunities for children and young people to develop skills in the wider community, as well as getting them to other places such as parks and thus improving their young lives.

“Many of our parents’ long-term aspirations are linked to their child being able to be included within their local community and being functionally able to support themselves.

“This is our second coach from Variety and so we are very grateful to have their support again.”

Variety has been helping improve the lives of young people who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged since 1949.

Monica Smith, Variety’s Trust s and Legacies Manager said: “We are extremely grateful to the Crerar Trust for sponsoring Haysholm School’s Variety Sunshine Coach.

These coaches, often regarded as ‘mobile classrooms’, give pupils with additional needs the opportunity to experience ac tive learning and develop life skills outside o f t h e s c h o o l environment.”

Paddy Crerar, chairman, of The Crerar Trust and chief executive of Crerar Hotels, said: “We are delighted to have made this award to Variety and look forward to hearing how this funding helps impact their work. “Cr e r a r Ho t e l s i s committed to giving back to the local community to help it grow and thrive, and provide opportunities that may otherwise seem out of reach.”