GCCEC CELEBRATES A DECADE OF TWO-WHEELED CHRISTMAS MAGIC
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) marked a very special milestone over the festive season, celebrating the 10th year of its much-loved Build a Bike initiative.
On Wednesday 10 December, GCCEC partnered with Act for Kids to build and donate 87 bicycles to vulnerable children needing a little extra joy at Christmas. Since launching in 2016, Build a Bike has grown from a simple act of kindness into a celebrated annual tradition, uniting GCCEC’s team and business partners to gift hundreds of children the joy, freedom and confidence that comes with their very own bicycle.
In addition to their new bikes, children also received books, games and toys through the GCCEC Toy Drive, helping to bring a little extra Christmas magic to families who need it most. Event production and management company Dreamweavers donated their time and vehicles to help deliver the bikes, while local Gold Coast business Mike’s Bikes provided expert safety checks to ensure each bike was safe and ready for its new owner.
Dr Katrina Lines, CEO of Act for Kids, said the 10th year of Build a Bike demonstrated the extraordinary impact of collective generosity. “This incredible display of community spirit simply wouldn’t be possible without GCCEC and the many local businesses, services, individuals, organisations and sponsors who’ve come together this year. Act for Kids is truly grateful for their support.”
“For some of these children, these gifts may be the only presents waiting for them under the Christmas tree. Bikes are a wonderful way to support a child’s physical development, but they also help build social skills by creating opportunities for kids to connect and play with others.”
Nick Jeffrey, General Manager of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre said the heart of Build a Bike has always been about community. “Build a Bike has become one of our most meaningful traditions. Celebrating ten years of this initiative is a testament to the generosity of our team, partners and Gold Coast community.”
“This initiative goes far beyond bikes. It’s about creating smiles, relieving pressure for families and giving children a moment of pure happiness, and that is something we are incredibly honoured to drive.”
Real impact, real voices
For many families, Build a Bike delivered more than just a present, it created moments that stay with them long after Christmas Day. A little girl’s words said it all: “It was the best Christmas, because I got my bike.”
A mother, whose children received bikes, shared through tears of joy: “It means they got to have the Christmas they deserve, and it took a lot of pressure off me trying to find the extra money to make their Christmas special.”
A teenager added: “I’m so happy to have a bike to ride to my friend’s house and to school.”
As GCCEC celebrates a decade of Build a Bike, the initiative continues to prove that when a community comes together, small actions can create powerful and lasting change for children who need it most.