The ‘Bikes for Tykes’ charity team building program has the power to transform lives.

The McQuade family of country Victoria can attest to the transformation that a bike can provide for health, motivation and confidence.

Back in mid-2016, team building specialist Corporate Challenge Events organised a ‘Bikes for Tykes’ day for staff of Maribyrnong College in Melbourne.

The group from the college completed fun team building activities which included building a set of bikes from scratch.

The finale to the day was a presentation of bikes to Ronald McDonald House Parkville and the Ronald McDonald Learning Program.

Nearly two years later, the McQuade family is evidence of the impact that one of those bikes has had.

Kale McQuade, a 15-year-old student from Woodend, has Marfan syndrome which is a genetic disorder of the body’s connective tissue.

He has grown up with long thin arms and legs, a common feature of Marfan syndrome, and required a spinal fusion two years ago to correct scoliosis.

Kale also lost his mother Jenny to the condition in 2014, which left his father Phill as the rock to support Kale and his two older siblings Jarrod and Katie on a disability pension.

Thankfully Phill discovered Ronald McDonald House Charities which has provided tremendous support through its Family Retreat Program and Learning Program.

And, also the gift of a bike in 2016.

“The support from Ronald McDonald House, Corporate Challenge Events and Maribyrnong College who gave my boy this great bike has been a beacon of light in the darkness of hard times following the death of my wife,” said Phill.

“To get a phone call to hear that Kale was being gifted a bike nearly bought me to tears. It was like ‘ok we are not alone and there are good people who want to help us’.”

It took encouragement from Kale’s family and his friend Gervase to go out for a ride on the new bike but, since that day, he hasn’t looked back.

“The transformation in him both physically and mentally has been wonderful,” said Phill.

“He has built up his leg muscles, developed more stamina and strength, all of which has helped his back following surgery.

“It has given him a lot of independence and something active to do with friends and even myself and our dog Millie which has been a lot of fun for us.”

Phill believes the confidence and motivation that the bike has brought has snowballed into other areas of Kale’s life.

“Kale loves making short films and last year achieved a wonderful award to further ignite his interest in this area,” said Phill.

Kale’s film ‘Out of Time’ was selected as a regional finalist and won ‘Audience Choice Award’ at the 2017 International Youth Silent Film Festival.

“I don’t know where we would be today without the support of Ronald McDonald House and that bike, a 26-inch with 21 gears, has brought so much more joy to his life.”

Corporate Challenge Events is a leader in delivering charity team building programs, team building courses, company team building games and team building activities for students in Australia and New Zealand.

Visit www.corporatechallenge.com.au or www.corpchallenge.co.nz

ENDS

For further information contact:

Corporate Challenge Events
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 9753 2562
1/12 Macro Ct, Rowville, VIC 3178
https://www.corporatechallenge.com.au/