Leap year boy gets gift to celebrate

BY LEE-ANNE EDWARDS

According to the calendar, Yusuf Guled didn't get a birthday this year, but he's just been given "the best present ever".

Born on February 29, Yusuf, 10, had to wait a few days for his special gift, but the delay was well worth it.

Born with Down Syndrome and Perthes Disease, which affects his hip joints and mobility, he is unable to ride a regular bicycle. But thanks to Variety and Ford New Zealand, the Dyer Street School pupil now has a specialised set of wheels he can ride to school, allowing him to exercise and providing important physical development.

Yusuf was one of 20 individuals, schools and groups to receive donations last week as part of the Ford Donation Drive, marking 20 years of work that Variety and Ford have carried out with sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

The Ford True Blue Team took their flame-decalled 1963 Mark 3 Zephyr on a mission to hand out 20 grants in 20 hours to 20 recipients. The company has been a supporter of the Variety Bash, which sees a group of eccentrics in wacky vehicles travel the country raising funds, since its inception in 1990.

"This year we wanted to do something extra special to celebrate our 20-year sponsorship of Variety," said Trevor Auger, managing director of Ford New Zealand.

"Staff thought a grant to mark each year of our relationship was the perfect idea  the twist is to get 20 distributed in 20 hours."

Excitement levels were high at Dyer Street School as staff and pupils waited for the "Bashers" to arrive. While staff distracted Yusuf, the trike was wheeled into the playground to admiring comments from fellow pupils.

Watched by his mother, sisters and cousins, he was led from class, breaking into a run as he got his first view of the trike.

Climbing aboard, he shouted "I love you" to the assembled crowd before heading off at speed to the other end of the playground.

Supporters hope that the trike will allow Yusuf to become more involved in family, school and community activities.

"At the very least, it's a fun way for him to exercise and will extend his level of activity," said Special Needs teacher Sarah Marino.

Since its inception in 1989, Variety has distributed over $11.7 million to Kiwi kids in need.

A VARIETY OF BENEFITS FOR HUTT VALLEY

Other Hutt Valley individuals and schools received Variety grants.

* Rata Street School took delivery of a Sunshine Coach, a 12-seater van to be used to take special needs pupils to swimming, physiotherapy and Riding for the Disabled.  With 20 per cent of the school's pupils coming from non-English-speaking backgrounds, it will also be used for trips to libraries and supermarkets to promote community understanding.  Members of the school's choir, cultural group and dance group will also use it to get to performances. ''This is a much-needed asset that will benefit many students over the coming years.  We want to thank Variety for their very generous gift,'' said principal Dave Appleyard.

* Other decile one schools received grants of books or sporting equipment.

* Plunket received child car seats for its car seat rental scheme.

- Hutt News