Gold Coast Business Build A Bike For Kids In Need

An array of businesses have dug deep again this festive season to donate bikes to the children’s charity Act for Kids on the Gold Coast.

The charity, in conjunction with the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), hold an annual Build a Bike fundraiser with businesses donating a bike to abused or neglected children.

The idea of the fundraiser is that businesses are supplied the parts and then literally build the bike under the watchful eye of Miami business Mikes Bikes.

The GCCEC General Manager Adrienne Readings said this was the third year the event has been held with each year seeing more businesses involved and more bikes donated at Christmas.

“The first year we started with 8 bikes, that rose to an amazing 54 bikes and 30 businesses last year. This year, the business community has outdone itself again with 37 businesses donating 64 bikes to brighten the Christmas of so many children,” she said.

“This year we saw team members from our own Facility Cleaning and Finance departments get together to raise enough money to buy a bike – a really generous group of people.

“To all of our business partners who signed up again, we truly thank you. To those who are new to this fundraiser we welcome you and also thank you for your selflessness.

“A special thank you also to Mikes Bikes for supplying the bikes and overseeing the builds.”

Act for Kids’ provides support for local Gold Coast children who have experienced significant trauma from child abuse and neglect.

The local team of psychologists, speech therapists and occupational therapists work together to help children develop the skills they need to overcome their challenges and developmental delays.

Act for Kids Regional Director Gary Poole says the organisation has supported over 3,300 kids and families on the Gold Coast since 2006.

“Sadly, the demand for our services on the Gold Coast continues to increase and we recently opened a new centre to support young families and new parents in Upper Coomera.

“Initiatives like the Build A Bike event really give our kids and families something to look forward to at Christmas, and for some children may be the only present they receive,” Mr Poole said.

Businesses that donated bikes in 2018 include: