mmg.com.au

Three Shepparton siblings were given some post-Christmas cheer when a charity replaced the bikes that were stolen from their front yard in December.

At the start of the summer school holidays, Tyler, Curtis and Kiara were upset to discover their bikes had been stolen when thieves climbed the fence of their home.

Children’s charity Variety heard about the thefts and decided to help, presenting new bikes to the family on January 19 as part of their Bikes 4 Kids program.

The bikes were purchased from donated funds, thanks to the 3AW Variety Radiothon, held in July last year.

More than 1000 bikes were given away in the lead up to Christmas.

Variety Victoria chairman Doug Christie said the bike program was one of the most rewarding initiatives on the charity organisation’s calendar.

‘‘Recipients are sourced from many different schools and organisations and we’re yet to see anyone leave disappointed,’’ Mr Christie said.

Variety Victoria has also provided a Liberty Swing to Seymour Special School, Greater Shepparton City Council and the Shire of Campaspe — the swings allow children in wheelchairs or living with a physical impairment the chance to enjoy swinging.

The 2012 Variety Vic Bash, which is the charity’s largest fundraising event, will begin in Shepparton on August 23 for a 10-day adventure in the Australian outback.

■For more information on the Variety Vic Bash, go to www.variety.org.au