The Simple Gift Of A Bike Has The Power To Transform Lives

I remember getting my first bike like it was yesterday. It was a gift from Santa, and I was over the moon with happiness. I immediately went outside, riding up and down our long red brick driveway—at least until I realized my dad had taught me the basics of riding but not how to stop. I still have a great scar in the middle of my forehead from where I collided with the corner of a brick wall to come to a halt. Despite this, the sheer joy of receiving my first bike is a cherished memory. Unfortunately, not everyone can experience this. For some, there are far more significant issues in life, such as escaping war and genocide.

Recently, the We Are Posi team traveled to the beautiful town of Wagga Wagga, where we had the privilege of surprising 10 refugee families with their very own bikes, thanks to our good friends at Kinetic. While there was a small language barrier and the kids didn’t recognize me from my playing days with the Richmond Tigers in the AFL, I had to quickly think of a way to connect with them. For the first time, I had to Google my own name and show them a photo of me with Cristiano Ronaldo. Suddenly, I was a little bit "cooler."

For kids, a bike represents a sense of freedom and independence—something these kids have never had the chance to experience. The joy on their faces was a powerful reminder of how much we often take for granted.

Government health guidelines recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily, including traveling to school and other activities. However, 55% of kids don't use an active means of transport to get to school, and 80% don't meet the daily exercise recommendations.

The benefits of owning a bike extend beyond physical health. Riding a bike boosts mental health and enhances learning development for children who might otherwise miss out. Increased activity helps kids concentrate and focus better in the classroom.

For these families, receiving a bike meant much more than just having something to play with. It provided all family members with a mode of transport, whether for commuting to school or going to the local supermarket to buy food. This simple gift of a bike has the power to transform lives, offering a newfound sense of freedom and mobility. Watching the kids opt to ride their brand new bikes back to their homes was a really humbling experience for our team.

The We Are Posi initiative, supported by Kinetic, is more than just a charitable act. It's about giving these families a chance to experience something most of us take for granted. It’s about providing them with a tool for independence and a healthier lifestyle. 

Witnessing the joy and gratitude of these families was an unforgettable experience. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can have when we come together to support those in need. Let’s continue to spread this joy and make a difference, one sock at a time.