Wheely good things happen when a community comes together

Many of Invercargill’s loved but unridden bikes are getting a second lease of life thanks to BestStart Waihopai Kindy and New Zealand Red Cross. 

Donated bikes are making a difference for former refugee families settling in Southland. 

Many families have young pre-school age children and BestStart Waihopai Centre Manager Sandi Shepherd says the kindy philosophy is about making sure every child and family deserves to feel welcomed, included and supported. 

“We’re so proud of how these tamariki have settled in. They are making friends, enjoying music and dance sessions, and becoming part of our ‘Set for School’ programme. Their laughter and energy have truly brought our centre to life.” 

Making it easy to learn

As well as helping its youngest students get cycling, the Kindy staff are also helping parents settle into their new environment by offering a pick up and drop off service to get the tamariki to school.   

It’s support that hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

“BestStart support for the families we work with has been amazing,” says Darren Frazer, Volunteer Programme Lead for New Zealand Red Cross’ Pathways to Settlement.   

“They have gone beyond just providing early childhood education. The little things they’ve done to help families settle have made a real difference. It shows they really care about those they work with.” 

The bike programme is one of the most impactful and Darren says being able to give a child their first bike is “pretty special.” 

And it’s not just the children who benefit. “Our bike programme helps the families we work with gain independence and get around the city,” he says. 

Good quality bikes needed

While the Kindy also welcomes donations of warm clothing and shoes, the greatest need however is for bikes. The BestStart Waihopai Kindy is asking the Invercargill community to pass on any bikes in good working order that families have either outgrown or just don’t use anymore. 

Bikes can be dropped off at Invercargill Red Cross Service Centre or directly to BestStart Waihopai Kindy. 

For more information

Contact Sandi Shepard at waihopai.kindy.manager@best-start.org or Darren Frazer at Darren.Frazer@redcross.org.nz

Header image: Darren Frazer, Volunteer Programme Lead for New Zealand Red Cross’ Pathways to Settlement and BestStart teacher Abby Hustler with some of the donated bikes at the Red Cross Invercargill Service Centre