CHRISTMAS can be a difficult time for some, but YouthCARE chaplain Melissa Pike and the student services team at Coodanup College have been working to spread holiday cheer with a Build-a-Bike program.
Facilitated by men from Living Waters Church Mandurah and with donations of tools, paint and supplies from Bunnings Halls Head, the program started in Week 2 of Term 4 in the hopes of engaging some of the disengaged boys.
YouthCARE chaplain Melissa Pike said the students had nine weeks to refurbish two bikes each; one to keep for themselves and one to be given to needy families at Christmas.
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READ NOW“During the program the boys learn hands on skills, patience, a sense of achievement and ultimately the joy of giving,” she said.
“Bunnings supplied the tools and paint necessary, Living Waters Church have supplied the men to mentor and facilitate the program and Westoz Crisis Care will come on board to receive the bikes in week 10.
“This program has worked really well at Coodanup College and is a testament to what a community can do together.”
Students Josh Whittaker (Year 8) and Jordan Quirk (Year 9) said they had learnt a lot from the experience.
“It’s really good and fun, it’s handy for building stuff,” Josh said.
“It was pretty cool, it felt good to be able to provide for the community,” Jordan said.