Bikes built for tykes

Children supported by Northcott can now peddle on brand new push bikes built by staff from one of the world’s leading engineering, architecture and consultancy firms, GHD.

As part of a 3-day graduate induction program, 16 new starters from GHD took part in a team building challenge held at Sydney’s Royal Botanic Gardens on Tuesday, 9 February, which brought joy to four young boys who are supported by Northcott Disability Services.

Colby Matthews is living with high functioning autism and was a recipient of one of the bikes.

Colby’s mother, Bronwyn Cobcroft was very thankful to GHD and Northcott as the bike will be a welcome early birthday present for Colby, who turns six on 22 February.

“As a sole parent trying to meet the therapy needs of my son, there is not a lot of money left for me to be able to surprise him with a birthday present,” Ms. Cobcroft said.

“The bike will bring great joy to Colby and to me, to see him so happy.”

Lachlan McArthur was also a recipient of one of the bikes.

Lachlan’s mother, Heidi was overwhelmed with the generosity of GHD and was very thankful to Northcott.

“Lachlan loves riding his brand new bike which he has nick-named “Falcon”,” Ms. McArthur said.

“I am really looking forward to many rides and one day teaching Lachlan to ride without training wheels," she said.

GHD has an established relationship with Northcott and organised the assembled bikes as a team building and community engagement exercise for the new graduates.

“After the team building challenge was finished the clients of Northcott Disability Services joined us in the Botanic Gardens, surprising all the staff that put the bikes together,” said David Kinniburgh, Sydney Operating Centre Manager, GHD.

“One of the objectives on the day is to help our new graduates to understand the importance of giving back to the community.”

“I am thrilled our people could actively give a gift to support these young boys living with a disability.”

Northcott Disability Services CEO, Kerry Stubbs, praised the support of GHD for including a not-for-profit organisation in their corporate activities and for their ongoing support.

“It is wonderful to see that corporate groups like GHD genuinely take an interest in the lives of people living with a disability,” Ms. Stubbs said.

“Small acts of kindness like this really do make a difference to the lives of the families Northcott supports.”

“We are very grateful for the many ways in which GHD supports Northcott to help us achieve our purpose of building an inclusive society.”