The festive season arrived early at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) as Santa’s helpers gathered on Wednesday 11 December to assemble nearly 100 bicycles for children who have experienced trauma.
Since its inception in 2016, GCCEC and business partners have donated more than 380 bikes to Gold Coast and Toowoomba families supported by child protection organisation Act for Kids.
The children also received donated books, games and toys in time for Christmas.
The event brought together an amazing group of organisations who donated their time to work in teams assembling the bikes for a special cause.
Event production and management company Dreamweavers donated bicycles and also contributed their time and vehicles for delivery.
Gold Coast business Mike’s Bikes supplied the bicycles and donated their time to offer expertise and safety checks of all the bikes built.
Act for Kids Director of Therapy Services Miranda Bain described the event as a wonderful show of community spirit.
“It’s always so heart-warming to see people coming together to make the festive season a little brighter for kids who otherwise might go without,” she said.
“Bikes are a fantastic way to support a child’s development physically, but also socially, as it can promote opportunities to interact with other children.
“We would like to give a huge thank you to the GCCEC and all other local businesses, services, individuals, organisations and sponsors involved this year.”
GCCEC Acting General Manager Nick Jeffrey said his team were delighted to help bring joy to children in need.
“We are proud of this meaningful initiative, which brings our community together with Act for Kids to build bikes for children in our community,” Mr Jeffrey said.
“This event embodies our commitment to making a positive impact, fostering teamwork, and creating moments of joy for children who need it most.”
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Act for Kids media contact:
Melanie Whiting
M: 0427 794 666
E: melanie.whiting@actforkids.com.au