The Sarah Groves Foundation has donated dozens of bicycles to children from poorer families in Guernsey this Christmas.
39 children will receive a big surprise on Christmas Day when they receive their bikes paid for by the Foundation, costing around £10,000.
It’s the fifth year the foundation has donated bikes during the festive season, although Covid’s impact on supply chains prevented it last year. So this year it’s back, and bigger than ever – 39 is nearly double the normal amount!
Sarah’s mother, Kate Groves, has organised the donation with various agencies and charities such as HomeStart, Safer, Bright Beginnings and Ian Brown’s Cycle Shop.
It has been a tradition going back many years that the Sarah Groves Foundation donates bikes at Christmas to less privileged families. The only condition is that the bikes must be presented as presents on Christmas Day to maximise the elements of surprise and joy.
The foundation was unable to make donations in 2020 due to the complete lack of supply of children’s bikes due to global manufacturing issues caused by Covid. They pledged at the time to compensate in 2021 by increasing the number of bikes donated.
Kate said: “This is a team effort and the contribution, financial and otherwise, of Paul Brehaut and Ian Brown must not be underestimated. The bikes are prepared and checked to a high standard and, where appropriate, safety helmets are included. Our thanks go to them for making the presentation possible.”
The Sarah Groves Foundation was registered in Guernsey in 2013 as a not-for-profit, charitable trust with the aim of fulfilling Sarah’s own ambition in life – to enhance the lives of young people, especially of those less fortunate than herself.
Their mission statement is quite simply ‘Enhancing young lives’.
