On Monday, May 21, a class of 20 fifth grade students at Upham Elementary in Wellesley presented a custom adaptive bike to a nine-year-old child with significant disabilities.
The students of Bethaney Duncan’s class came up with the idea to do a community service project during Open Circle, a weekly session in which students discuss social and emotional issues. Encouraged by Ms. Duncan, they considered a variety of charities and unanimously agreed to support Grampy’s Charities, a 501(c)3 whose mission is to raise funds to support research and comfort-based children's organizations. Grampy’s Charities, in turn, partnered with Robbie’s Riders/Save The Kid, a non-profit started by Frank Matovic that has built over 300 bikes for children with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
Immediately, students found small ways to earn money to fund their cause — walking dogs, cleaning out a neighbor’s garage, doing lawn work, and selling lemonade. The students then organized an after-school sale in which they sold a variety of their own creations, ranging from hand-made jewelry and original artwork to candy sushi and baked goods. In less than two months, the students of 5D proudly surpassed their goal of $300 - enough to fund a custom bike for Wenbo Xie, a nine-year-old boy who is non-verbal and has autism.
The actual bike cost more than $500; Grampy’s Charities offered to cover the rest.
The simple joy of riding a bike resonates with every child, and making it possible for a peer who otherwise couldn’t share the experience has touched the students. As teachers and parents will attest, their enthusiasm for this project has been heart-warming.
