The four donated mountain bikes with Snr Constable Deb Thurgood, Tyre Traders Cambridge owner Anthony Yelavich, BKT Tyres (TFI) territory manager Peter Andrew, and Constable Karen Verwey.
Four youngsters who could do with a lucky break will each get a new mountain bike in the coming months.
The bikes were presented recently to Cambridge Youth Aid Snr Constable Wayne Dunn. They were donated by BKT Tyres (TFI) in conjunction with Tyre Traders Cambridge as part of an ongoing joint initiative to give back to the local community.
When Tyre Traders Cambridge owner Anthony Yelavich knew the bikes were on offer through his supplier, BKT Tyres (TFI), he approached Wayne Dunn at Cambridge Police. “Through the partnership with BKT, we have donated quite a few things to kids in Cambridge over the years,” he said. “We have given sports equipment, soccer and rugby balls … this is the first time we’ve give bikes.”
Wayne welcomed the support, saying it was another example of local business giving back to the community/ He said he would take a ‘holistic’ approach over the next few months to selecting the four youngsters who will get the bikes.
“We’ll liaise with schools, other organisations and groups working within the community to identify where they are most needed,” he said. “Our work means we get to know families and youngsters who will benefit the most from a donation like this.”
Wayne said the same donors had helped during Covid-19 lockdown with gifts of cricket sets and other items to families in need.
Peter Andrew, territory manager for BKT Tyres (TFI) said the company often worked with its dealers to support local communities with donations, usually with a focus on young people. The Mumbai-based company had been in the same family for 80 years and operates in New Zealand out of Hamilton and Christchurch.
“It is a very family-oriented company,” said Peter. “We like to support the youth in the areas we cover, particularly disadvantaged youth.”
