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At a recent two day insurance workshop in Rotorua, I was humbled to be involved in a corporate challenge that was [admittedly] fun, but which had an underlying 'purpose', that we were not aware of, until the tail end of the challenge process. Bikes for Tykes | Charity Team Building As stated, the afternoons activities were both fun and challenging. Each team was expected to complete about eight different challenges, on completion of which a 'bicycle part' was given to us in the form of a card. The aim was to collect all eight cards, until finally being given a wee kids bike in a box, that we had to physically build. Having completed all the challenges, our team set about building our bike - a delicate pink girls bike! Much fun was had with this, trying to get the handlebars set up, brakes installed, seat in place (whilst the bike was upside down) and the pedals put on (with their left and right hand threads)! After the build was completed, an able-bodied mechanic from a local bike shop went over each component, making sure we were not party to some almighty bike accident! At this time, there was an air of wonder amongst the 100 odd delegates who took part ... What exactly was going to happen with these bikes? Well - here's the thing... The Team from Corporate Challenge then introduced to us the local representative for Child Cancer. They had invited a number of child cancer sufferers between the ages of 6 and 10, including their siblings, to be given a bike each. These children had all been at a local ice-cream shop, on the fringes of the park where the challenges had taken place. They then walked across the park to where we were all gathered. To protect these youngsters from us towering over them, we all sat in a line, creating a sort of "guard of honour" as they entered the area where the bikes had been lined up, ready for them to 'take their pick'... Humbling moment: I have to say that this was an incredibly humbling moment for me. Following the raucous laughter and excitement of teams competing against one another, I am sure we would have heard a pin drop for the silence that fell over the advisers, who sat watching and waiting as the children chose their individual bike. Included with each bike was a colour coded helmet. March has been Cancer Appeal Month: Whilst I realise March is coming to a close, signalling the end of the first quarter of 2014, I encourage readers to follow the link below, to read a little about the work that is done by the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly for the good of children and adults alike, who suffer the outrageous consequences of cancer. I have lost both my parents to cancer. I have a niece who is currently going through chemotherapy, having had a double mastectomy and is now suffering lung cancer ... I am sure there is not a soul in New Zealand who does not know of someone who has or has had cancer. The statistics are horrendous. Child Cancer Appeal I would like to encourage anyone who reads this blog to donate in some small way to supporting the Cancer Society, whether it be financial, or simply your time. The rewards will make us all stronger people and it will bring a little cheer to those suffering from cancer... 
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