Ready to ride into summer
Jim Foote (left) is joined by Kateri School principal Kevin Gault (centre) and Katie Leggitt (right), Kateri School’s student and family engagement facilitator for the annual bike giveaway, won by Lacey McComber (centre in pink). Courtesy Kateri School
For the 18th year, Jim Foote has donated a bicycle to a lucky Kateri School student, and this year’s winner, Lacey McComber, is thrilled about her new wheels.
“I’m happy and excited about winning my bike,” five-year-old McComber told The Eastern Door.
The annual giveaway was started by Foote in the spirit of giving back. His daughters all went through Kateri School and have grown into successful community members, and he wanted to pass it forward to the next generation.
Each year, children’s names are entered into the draw for the bike based on academic success, good behaviour, and classroom progress.
“It’s something I decided to do, and as long as I’m alive I’ll keep doing it,” Foote said. “It’s a really, really good feeling.”
He said he’s thrilled to hear feedback from teachers that students get excited about the bike draw, encouraged by the idea that students are motivated in the classroom.
“For me, that’s satisfaction enough, just knowing they’re trying harder,” he said.
“Kids are kids, and bikes are bikes. Nowadays, they don’t give them away, and some folks can’t afford to get a bike for their children, I’m just trying to help out in all different directions,” he said. “It’s just a little something that I can do.”
