University of Limerick (UL) scheme sees 35 children get bikes for Christmas

UNIVERSITY of Limerick (UL) staff have proven that the festive spirit is alive and well this season, with a bike donation scheme. 

Families across the Mid-West received donations of refurbished bicycles through the UL Christmas Bike Appeal.

The charitable initiative, a collaborative and voluntary effort by a group of staff from across UL, resulted in the donation of bikes to 35 children, ensuring their wishes did indeed come true this Christmas.

Led by Robert Dalton, Senior Learning Technologist in UL’s Kemmy Business School (KBS), the project team oversaw the renovation of 40 used bikes, with funds from sales and donations amounting to an impressive €3,500.

A generously supported GoFundMe campaign garnered a further €4,000, with total funds of €7,500 covering refurbishment costs as well as enabling bike donations. 

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“We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the faculty, students, and sponsors who supported the Appeal. Special appreciation goes to Moynan’s Bike Shop Nenagh, and Mags' Bakehouse Nenagh for providing the space and facilities for bike renovations. Your support made this initiative possible,” said Robert.

The UL Christmas Bike Appeal, a collaboration with Extern and the Silver Arch Family Resource Centre, is a more sustainable take on the annual KBS Toy Appeal, through which UL staff members were invited to purchase toys for donation to St Vincent de Paul at Christmas time. 

Robert explained: “For years, the KBS Toy Appeal received overwhelming support from the Kemmy Business School and the entire University.

“However, the environmental impact of purchasing numerous plastic toys was a growing concern. 

“This year, we aimed to make a more sustainable choice by refurbishing bikes, which offer children the joy and freedom of outdoor adventures, far surpassing the fleeting excitement of plastic toys.”

The UL Christmas Bike Appeal team members are Robert Dalton, Keith Kerley, Adrienne Horan, Sinead Spain, Maura Griffin, Jess Beeley, Kevin Johnson, Jennifer Farrell, Sinead Liston, Dermott Madden, Stephen Kett, Greg Rogala, and Tom Flaherty.