Bikes for Kids 2023: A Ticket to Adventure
“Once again, Variety is making the impossible, possible.”
Families could not contain their enthusiasm as more than 200 local children received the gift of a new bike at Variety’s annual Bikes for Kids event on November 18 at Parkway Central High School.
Bikes give children the freedom to explore the world, play outside with friends and family, and make memories that will last a lifetime, but for many children with special needs, standard bikes are not an option.
Variety worked with 30 kids and teens to identify and customize an adapted cycle to meet each child’s individual needs. Parents, siblings, and grandparents filed into the gym to witness the final fitting and experience the pure joy of the proud new bike owner.
Variety Teen Maddie expressed that she is the most excited to ride her new pink bike to many different places, and that it’s her favorite color.
“When I get home, I’m going to race my sister. And I’m gonna win.”
Bikes not only pave the way for adventure and confidence, but therapists often recommend adapted bikes to help Variety Kids gain strength, balance, and independence.
“Variety is an absolute game changer.”
“Now that she has her own bike, we can ride anytime which means independence, fun, and therapy all wrapped together,” shares Maddie’s mom, Christine.
While therapeutic bikes took their first laps around the gym, more than 100 passionate volunteers assembled standard bikes for children who do not require modifications.
In just a few hours, our community partners worked together to build 200 bicycles for Variety Kids.
Charlie Mitchell, a 4-year veteran of BUNZL’s bike building team, looks forward to this event every fall.
“The best is when the kids get their bikes,” explains Charlie. “There’s nothing like a bike for a young child – it just opens the world up for them. We love being a part of that.” Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Bikes for Kids event possible!
Thank You to Our Supporters
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