Brighten Your Day

Community Rallies To Raise Money For Hardworking Boy Whose E-Bike Was Stolen

July 10, 2023

A local community in Sydney has come together to raise funds for a hardworking 11-year-old boy whose beloved electric bike was stolen, leaving him devastated.

Zac / Credit: GoFundMe

Zac worked hard to buy his e-bike, helping launch a clothing business called Manly 2095 with his mother.

"It's just he and I, so I'm not really in a position so spend more than $3,000 on an e-bike for an 11-year- old," Renee Nowytarger told Yahoo News Australia.

Zac learned how to build a website for the business, designed the company logo and worked the stall at the markets every weekend.

"He's done such a good job of it and really put the effort in," Renee said. "He was at the markets every weekend on both Saturday and Sunday for quite a few months. "It's a long day for an 11-year-old boy — you get there at eight to set up and then you don't pack up until five."

He also donates 10 percent of his profits to children's charity Royal Far West.

Zac / Credit: Manly 2095 Co

Zac finally saved enough money to buy his new bike in January. But in June, it was stolen along with other possessions from the family's apartment when they were out of town for a few days.

"They took everything — they took Zac's bike, my e-scooter, they literally just cleaned us out," Renee said.

Knowing how hard Zac worked to buy his bike, a friend of the family started a GoFundMe campaign to help raise funds to replace it.

So far, $2,800 has been raised of the $3,300 target.

Zac's mom said she's been blown away by the "community spirit".