By Trish Bowman
Cycling Without Age trishaws Yeppoon were a huge hit for all ages after being invited to St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School on Friday to provide rides for grandparents and other elderly community members.
Community Captain of Cycling Without Age Yeppoon’s Mary O’Donnell said the morning’s events were organised by the year one teachers and students to extend a welcoming spirit and hand of friendship to the elderly.
“The senior visitors were treated to a trishaw ride with their buddy, Lego building, pot plant design and paint and sip (cordial and morning tea),” Ms O’Donnell said.
“What a lovely idea and wonderful way to teach kindness to our children.
“Cross generational connections are so important and so much research supports the wellbeing it promotes for our children and seniors alike.
“The joy that this brings to young and old is rewarding to witness.
“It was lovely to see all those smiling faces.”
St Benedict’s Catholic Primary School Teacher Anne Effeney said year one students lived out the Benedictine gift of welcome and hospitality in a special way as they hosted a morning of connection and activities for grandparents in our community.
“Children excitedly invited their grandparents and other seniors to buddy up with them and enjoy inter-generational activities, including trishaw rides, pot plant creation, Lego building and a unique paint and sip,” Ms Effeney said.
“The children spent many hours preparing for their special guests by creating a boulevard of stars to welcome everyone to St. Benedict’s.
“The stars are a symbol of ways we can be like Jesus as we follow his example of welcoming others.
“The Benedictine gift of welcome and hospitality is embedded in the school’s ethos and supports research findings about the many benefits of connections and kindness on the well-being and mental health of all ages.
Ms O’Donnell said Cycling Without Age is a free community service supported by community volunteers.
“We would love to hear from seniors who would like to go for a free ride,” she said.
“If you have a senior member of your family who would like to join in on the fun, please contact me on 0473 538 624 or email [email protected].”
The trishaws are electric power supported by pedal power that were generously donated by the Iwasaki Foundation and imported from Denmark.
Repairs and maintenance are managed with fundraising throughout the year by Cycling Without Age.