Christmas came early for some of the Gold Coast’s most vulnerable children as the annual Build A Bike charity event rolled into the city for another year.
On Tuesday 12 December, Act for Kids partnered with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) to build and donate 86 bicycles for children who have suffered abuse and neglect.
More than 300 bikes have been donated by GCCEC and business partners to disadvantaged children in the past six years since the charity event’s inception.
Children were gifted the bikes, as well as books, games and toys.
Event management company Dreamweavers contributed their time and vehicles to deliver the bikes across the coast.
Local Gold Coast business, Mike’s Bikes kindly donated their time again this year to offer expertise and safety checks of all the bikes built.
Act for Kids Executive Director of Service Operations Dr Kaye Pickering noted many families had been hit hard by cost-of-living pressures this year, and the initiative would help those doing it tough.
“Bikes are great for promoting good mental health, increasing self-confidence and independence in kids and providing opportunities to socialise with other children,” Dr Pickering said.
“We would like to give a huge thank you to the GCCEC and all other local businesses, services, individuals, organisations and sponsors that came together to make this event such a huge success.
“In 2022-2023, Act for Kids supported more than 40,000 children and adults across Australia – so any community support is greatly appreciated.”
GCCEC General Manager Adrienne Readings said Act for Kids was chosen as a partner for Build A Bike because of the vital work the organisation does in the community to keep children safe.
“We wanted to do something for children on the Gold Coast who were disadvantaged and what better time than Christmas. This is putting a smile on the faces of those locally who need the most joy,” she said.
Quick facts:
• Build A Bike launched in 2016
• More than 300 bikes have been donated to children through the charity event
• Another 86 bikes were built and donated this year
• In 2022-2023, Act for Kids supported more than 40,000 children and adults across Australia
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For interview opportunities, contact:
Melanie Whiting
M: 0427 794 666
E: melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au