1st May - 30th September 2012
Every child remembers receiving their first bike, but many grow up without this memory. For some families the reality of such a purchase is simply out of their reach. Variety – the Children’s Charity works with schools, local welfare and support agencies to identify those children or families without a bike and provide this basic requirement.
Variety also provides modified tricycles for special needs children who are unable to ride a bike, purchasing a customised tricycle fit for their specific condition and helping to increase their quality of life.
We’re excited to announce that Kmart is working with Variety – the Children’s Charity on this program in 2012. All 171 Kmart stores across Australia are fundraising for Variety’s Bikes4Kids program through coin collection boxes located at the registers of each store. Victoria has been running a Bikes4Kids program for 10 years and with the help of Kmart, we will now be able to run this program on a national level.
Kmart Managing Director Guy Russo praised everyone’s support of the initiative: “Our Kmart team is honoured to be able to provide stores where Australian’s can support organisations like Variety - the Children’s Charity. Thanks to the generosity of Kmart customers the collection will provide bikes for disadvantaged children around Australia and bring some smiles to the faces of thousands of children”.
Previous recipients of Variety’s Bikes4Kids have sent messages:
“Thanks for the bike. I will take care of it like it’s a puppy or a kitten. I love puppies and kittens. I will ride it to school and back everyday. I will love my bike.”
“Our son was the lucky recipient of a shiny, bright, red bike and helmet. Thank you so much for making that possible. It was a very touching and yet humbling experience to be a part of.”
The Bikes4Kids program is one of many activities Variety coordinates to empower children who are sick, disadvantaged or have special needs to live, laugh and learn. Schools and welfare organisations in the metropolitan and surrounding areas nominate children in desperate need to receive a new bike. Presentations will be held at Kmart stores across the nation.
Variety Victoria Chairman Mr Doug Christie said: “The bike program is one of the most rewarding initiatives on the charity organisation’s calendar. Recipients are sourced from many different schools and organisations and we’re yet to see anyone leave disappointed!”
Variety Queensland Chief Executive Officer Les Riley commented: “Thank you Kmart for making this national program possible. Your support of Variety in our mission to have a positive impact on the lives of all Australian children is much appreciated”.
Have a look at some 2011 photos of the happy children receiving their bikes in the Bikes 4 Kids Photo Gallery