Leos leap into service Convention highlights - Lions Clubs New ...

NELSON HOST LIONSDonated bike gets boy revved upYoung Nelson motocross rider Ethan Couper had only had his new bike for three weeks before it was stolenlast October. Now, thanks to Nelson Host Lions Club and the motocross community, the 12-year-old is theproud owner of a new YZ85 bike worth about $3500.Ethan had worked two jobs and beensaving up for more than a year to get hisoriginal bike, which was later found burningon the side of the road.He said he felt very grateful to all thosewho contributed to the new bike, whichfeatures customised graphics includinghis name."I really appreciate it. I reckon it'sawesome."Club president Mike McBride said the clubgot involved because it wanted to supporta young man who had worked hard forwhat he wanted."Here was a young chap who had beendoing something for himself and gets hisbike, and then these yobbos go out andsteal it and destroy it."Ethan's mother, Alana Pyne, said shewas amazed by the generosity of thecommunity. Before they heard aboutthe support, Ethan had already startedworking to earn the money to pay foranother bike himself."It would have been a long timebefore he got another one, and withthe community support he wouldstill be out there. He would have gotthere eventually. He was preparedto do it again."Ethan Couper celebrates taking his new motocross bike for a spin with (from left) MotoX Events directors Bryan Heaphy and Dan Shallcrass holding theburnt out remains of the olad bike, and Nelson Host Lions Club president Mike McBride. Photo: Patrick Hamilton/Nelson MailLION, South Pacific Edition | May/June 2012 21