Over 650 low-income students now have their very own bicycle – and it’s all thanks to one passionate teacher who believes that every child deserves to play.
Katie Blomquist received national attention after she started a GoFundMe campaign several months ago to raise money for bikes – or more accurately, a bicycle, a helmet, and a lock for every single one of the students at her school.
RELATED: Public Raises $100K For Widower Selling Kindling to Pay Wife’s Medical Bills
“Over the years, after talking with students, I have come to the realization many have never ridden a bike nor do they have the means to own a bike, especially one that is new,” says Katie. “I soon began to envision how each student’s quality of life could improve if they had more freedom to ride around their neighborhoods.”
The campaign, which had a goal of $65,000, became so widely shared on social media, that after several months of effort, it managed to raise $80,000.
The bikes are all custom-made beauties from Radio Flyer, featuring “Let’s Go Places!” emblazoned on the frame.
MORE: Woman Donates Entire Toy Store to Kids in Homeless Shelters
“This isn’t a gift from me. This is a gift not only from your local community, but our whole country,” said Blomquist before she revealed the bikes, according to Post and Courier. “One day when you’re a grown-up and you’re looking back on this day, I want you to really think about that and think about the joy and happiness that these strangers gave to you, and I hope that you in turn one day find a way to give back some sort of happiness and joy to other people because of this day.”
Their reaction to the surprise in the video below is magical.
Katie has since begun creating a nonprofit called Going Places – an organization dedicated to the noble cause of providing low income kids with bicycles, swimming lessons, and summer camp opportunities.
(WATCH the video below)
Pedal This Story To Your Friends: Click To Share