Ben cranked to get a bike of his own
Ben Lefale must have wondered why he was being sent to the principal’s office.
In the end, he got a just reward for his actions – a brand new bike.
Ben was presented with a new Giant bike last Thursday, after his efforts to help his family and school were recognised at a surprise assembly.
To enable his father to make the daily ride from Nelson to Richmond for work, the Nelson Intermediate School Year 8 pupil had spent many hours fixing up an old bike in his own time so he could help his Dad.
For his kind gesture, Ben was one of four intermediate-aged kids nominated anonymously by their teachers to be considered for a new bike by the winner of the 2017 Kelly McGarry ‘Dream, Believe, Be’ Award.
From there the recipient of the award chose which student was most deserving, based on the merit of the letter.
This year’s award winner was Fletcher Satherley – a third year building apprentice from Elevation Construction – who initially chose Waimea Intermediate pupil Zayla Squires-Gordon to receive the new bike.
However, when award coordinator and NelsonMarlborough Institute of Technology carpentry tutor Steve McIntyre visited the unsuccessful applicants to acknowledge them and present them with a consolation helmet and certificate, Ben’s story compelled him to act.
Pulling in funds and favours from the Kelly McGarry Trust, Village Cycles and Giant Bikes and Dusty Builders’ owner Brent Dixon, a bright orange mountain bike was arranged.
‘‘I think it’s pretty cool that someone can do that and gift it to someone to make their life a bit easier,’’ he said.
‘‘I drove away from meeting Ben thinking, ‘I’ve got to do something else [to help].’’
Unaware that he was the reason for the gathering, Ben was called to the front of assembly and told to look away while the bike was brought out.
The joy and surprise was evident in Ben’s face once he turned around and realised what he’d been given.
Nelson Intermediate principal Hugh Gully said Ben was a worthy recipient of the prize, not just for helping a family member out but for his overall contribution to school life.
‘‘He’s just a humble, well-liked kid who is a big part of the leadership within the school,’’ he said.