Tuesday, 30 April 2024
A Killarney Vale family living with disability can now experience the joys of cycling together after being gifted bicycles through the generous support of Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation and Freedom Solutions.
Charitable organisation, Freedom Solutions, designs, builds and modifies custom equipment for people living with disability of all ages throughout New South Wales and Victoria.
Freedom Solutions General Manager, Mathew Williams, said everyone deserves the chance to ride a bike.
“At Freedom Solutions, we believe that everyone should have the chance to experience the thrill and joy of riding a bike, which is why we feel it is so important to make this possible for people living with disability,” Mathew said.
“Riding a bike is a common childhood milestone. A disability can make it difficult or impossible to ride a standard bike, meaning missed opportunities for socialisation with friends as well as the many physical benefits that riding a bike can bring.
“We were very fortunate to receive funding from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation last year to gift customised bikes and trikes to children living with disability in the Hunter and Central Coast, enabling them the opportunity to experience the joy of freedom on wheels."
Killarney Vale mum, Meika Standish, said the family was overjoyed to receive the new bicycles and the opportunity to learn a new skill that has been out of reach up until now.
"This is such a dream come true for us and means we can enjoy getting out in the fresh air and sunshine to make special memories together as a family,” Meika said.
“Watching my sons Jett and Mack unwrap their incredible new bikes was so exciting and emotional.
“Freedom Solutions has done an amazing job at designing bicycles that support both of my boys’ individual needs so that they have the opportunity to learn to ride.”
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Partnerships Specialist Lanah Maruff said the Foundation is delighted to support this meaningful initiative.
“Learning to ride a bike is such an exciting time and brings with it a real sense of independence, resilience, social connection and confidence,” Lanah said.
“We are thrilled to help make this possible for Meika and her boys, who are bound to make the most of their new bikes.
“The Foundation serves to improve the health and wellbeing of the community by supporting organisations just like Freedom Solutions, who do such amazing work in delivering bespoke solutions to suit individuals and their needs.”
For more information about Freedom Solutions, please visit: https://freedomsolutions.org.au/