Students from Berengarra School, Victoria were delighted to receive a brand new bus from Gloria Jean’s Coffees for their school excursions and trips. As soon as the bus was officially handed over, they jumped up, rushing to get the best seat on-board, while flashing a ‘thumbs up’ to their teachers.

“The support of Gloria Jean’s Coffees in donating a coach means so much in providing quality education to our young people,” said Graeme Bird, Berrengara Business Manager.

The Sunshine Coach, donated by Gloria Jean’s Coffees, helps disadvantaged students from Berengarra to travel to different sporting events, camps and excursions.

Berengarra supports 13- 16 year olds with social or emotional problems, catering to each student’s needs and helping them graduate.

“Our current vehicle is 14 years old, with no air conditioning, making student trips pretty miserable. We truly appreciate Gloria Jean’s Coffees contribution, and the new air-conditioning is an added bonus!” said Graeme.

GJC representatives met with Berengarra teachers and students and after passing on the Sunshine Coach, discovered they had other needs as well.

“We went to the school to handover the Sunshine Coach and ended up giving them a fridge and coffee machine too!”  said Glenn Hindson, GJC Market Operations Manager VIC.

The school did not have enough funds to fix the broken fridge in the school’s recreation area or purchase a coffee machine for the staff.

GJC staff spoke to suppliers and arranged for a fridge to be donated to the school, along with Gloria Jean’s Coffees’ exclusive G-79 espresso machine!

The students and teachers were delighted, and so grateful for Gloria Jean’s Coffees support.

“We want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your generous donation of the coffee machine for our staff. Your generous consideration of this and the replacement fridge for the student crib is exceptional,” said Graeme.

The ability to give back to the community also touched our Gloria Jean’s Coffees representatives.

“It was an extremely humbling experience to present the coach on the day and one that I was proud to be a part of. The vision and values of the organisation were alive and at work on this special day,” said Troy McDonagh, Chief Operating Officer - Pacific

The Sunshine Coach to Berengarra was just one of the projects from Gloria Jean’s Coffees 2011 Cappuccino for a Cause campaign. As part of the campaign, Gloria Jean’s Coffees Australia raised $150,000 to help kids with special needs and support Variety projects in each state.