Variety To Give Away 600 Bikes

4 August 2005

Variety To Give Away 600 Bikes

Variety – The Children’s Charity hosted its fourth annual Radiothon last week generating $78,142 for its “Kids on the Move” mobility programme. The funds will be used to distribute 600 bikes throughout the country during the Bikes-For-Kids Roadshow in November.

The Bikes-For-Kids Roadshow will visit the Far North, Auckland, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru and Queenstown, distributing bikes to deserving children nominated by primary schools in those areas.

The Radiothon was held in conjunction with Solid Gold FM and Action International, with International Radiothon expert Gene Bridges traveling from the U.S.A for the event.

During the 26 hour Radiothon Solid Gold listeners phoned in pledges for bikes and responded to various on-air auctions. During this year’s Radiothon a $5 note signed by Sir Ed Hillary was snapped up for $1650. Variety’s “Kids on the Move” mobility programme provides life enriching assistance to children with physical restrictions. Each year Variety provides hundreds of children with much needed equipment including wheelchairs, specialised trikes, mobility scooters, and special chairs.

“Bikes for Kids” forms a special part of Variety’s mobility programme. Each year Variety also gives children throughout the country their first bike. Deserving primary school children are nominated by their teachers to receive a bike. Donors who make a “Bikes for Kids” pledge during the Radiothon are also invited to personally present a bike at one of the events throughout the country.

Variety makes grants to individuals and organisations that work with disadvantaged children up to 18 years of age. Variety’s mission is to provide life-enriching assistance to children challenged by physical and mental disabilities, socio-economic background and geographic isolation.

ENDS

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