Wheels in motion for a great Christmas surprise for children
SOME 30 bikes have been handed over to local agencies to surprise young children this Christmas.
For the seventh year, the Sarah Groves Foundation has purchased the bikes from funds raised and donations to bring joy and excitement to less-fortunate children.
‘My children never really asked for anything for Christmas, but seeing the joy on their faces when they received something was just so heart-warming that we wanted other children to be able to experience that too,’ said Kate Groves, whose daughter was killed in Kashmir, India, in April 2013.
‘Sarah would just absolutely love what we’re doing here. I’m sure she’s here somewhere around us but she would just have the biggest smile on her face.’
The charity liaises with agencies such as social services, Safer, HomeStart and Bright Beginnings to identify local children and families who would benefit from a bike.
The only requirement of the scheme is that the bicycles are to be presented as gifts on Christmas Day only for maximum surprise and joy for the recipients.
‘We talk to parents who are struggling financially right now and tell them about this wonderful legacy and that we can nominate their child, and each year the parents just can’t believe that their child will receive a brand new bike,’ said Kindred Family Centre manager Kay Lindsay.
‘The bikes will be delivered while children are still at school, and then we trust that parents will hide them until Christmas Day, so there’s a lot of secrecy with it.’
She added that it was not usually difficult to choose which children to nominate, as child services staff work closely with the children and their families.
Ian Brown and Paul Brehaut from Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop ensure each year that the bikes are prepared and checked to a high standard, and safety helmets are included where appropriate.
