30 Guernsey children will be waking up to a new bike and helmet this Christmas, thanks to a donation from the Sarah Groves Foundation. It's the sixth year the Foundation has donated bicycles to less fortunate children as a festive surprise.
With the help of Ian Brown's Cycle Shop, the Sarah Groves Foundation made sure no child, whatever their circumstance, went without. When faced with the prospect of a disabled child needing a slightly sturdier bike, the Foundation stepped up to the challenge with the added donation of a specially ordered tricycle.
Sarah's mother, Kate, has organised the donation with various agencies and charities such as HomeStart, Kindred Children's Centre, Safer and Bright Beginnings. Together they carefully selected who would receive this generous gift come Christmas morning. Kate says it wouldn't be possible without the hard work and generosity of many islanders:
"The reason the Sarah Groves Foundation is so successful is down to the people of the island, pulling together to help contribute to our funding and fulfil our message of enhancing and bringing happiness to young lives.
"Everyone remembers their first big Christmas present as a child, and I know it would've meant a great deal to Sarah, knowing that on Christmas morning, a child who might otherwise have gone without a meaningful present feels that same excitement and joy that Sarah had".
Amy Hook of Bright Beginnings said how these donations affect the lives of the children she works with:
"Not only do donations such as this bring much-needed smiles to the children's faces, but they also bring reassurance for parents struggling financially with the cost of living crisis. It is comforting for them to know they can bring the magic of Christmas to their children's lives."
Keeping this initiative going is a team effort, and the Sarah Groves Foundation would like to thank Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop and everyone involved with this heart-warming annual tradition.
