In the distance they are heard like thunder... And then the thunder of the engine calmed down in front of the Podgorica Resource Center "1. June". The bikers were greeted by the joyful squeals of children and the applause of their parents.
And this year, the children's favorite Santas in both Podgorica resource centers - "Podgorica" and "1. June" are ATV Club Montenegro and the Bikers of Good Will Foundation.
"We have a lot of donations, especially before the holidays. But the arrival of Bikers of Goodwill is anticipation for our children. Those big boys and girls bring so much joy to our children, that they are not only happy, they are floating with happiness", says longtime teacher Milja Vulić.
The biggest prize is a child's smile
The Bikers of Good Will Foundation has been cheering up the children of Montenegro for years. And not only during the holidays. They say they try to make the little ones happy at least once a month.
And the little ones from the two resource centers were more than amazed. They were impatiently waiting for a photo with their heroes, who were bringing in gifts accompanied by festive music.
Among them are biker girls, smiling, gentle with every little one, patiently posing for photos and answering children's questions.
That's why children adore them.
"The bikers were there last year as well. I love it when they come. I like motorbikes, and I also get a present", says one of the high school students of the Resource Center "1. June". He says that he likes the holidays very much and that he has already decorated the Christmas tree.
His fifteen-year-old friend would like to try driving a motorcycle. He says he always looks forward to bikers.
"Bikers always bring good gifts," he emphasizes.
Student of the third grade of the secondary school of the Resource Center "1. June" is not afraid of the thunder of the engine.
"It's great when they come. It's always cheerful," he says.
And it is their smile, says biker Marko Milošević, that is the greatest reward.
"Someone who spends a lot of time on a motorcycle has an excess of positive energy. We have decided to share our positive energy immensely. Love, happiness, joy and positive energy are the only things that grow when they are shared," says Milošević.
The most common target group of the Bikers of Goodwill Foundation is children.
"We spend most of our time with them and they like it. Our joy grows with each of their smiles."
A day to remember for both children and bikers
"We come on motorbikes, which to all children is synonymous with power on two wheels. Maybe we are role models, maybe we are something for them to reach for when they grow up", Neven Ramić explains the joy of children when Santa's motto appears.
He says he himself had role models growing up.
"It is certain that we leave a strong impression on them, precisely because of our appearance," Ramić points out.
When it comes to children, there are no differences for bikers of good will. All children are the same and all have the same needs - love, joy and a happy childhood.
"Everyone is equally happy, everyone is ecstatic and for each of them it is a special day, a day they will remember. Same as for us. It is important for us not to devote ourselves to one and neglect others", says Ramić.
He also states that bikers of good will are united in order to always be where they are most needed: "We all have different jobs, families and lives, but for us the Foundation is a common task - to spend our free time and make someone happy with our work and contribution." .
Apart from smiles, he is most pleased with gifts - children's drawings after actions.
"These are very dear gifts that we keep," emphasized Ramić.
They are not frowning and rude, but soft-hearted
Marko Cvetković says with a smile that they are often confused with bikers from American movies and series "who are scowling and rough".
"Here with us, there are only rough engine sounds, but the heart is soft".
Cvetković also says that "a child's smile is sincere, unfiltered".
"Their happiness is unfiltered, they don't have a shred of insincerity about them. If you do something good, it will reward you with a smile, which is why we do all this. So far, we have earned a lot of smiles, and that is why I think we are on the right track and will continue to be good at everything we do for a long time", promises Cvetković.
One of the founders of the Damir Bučan Foundation states that the initial plan of Bikers of Good Will is to have at least one action every month.
"This is now the second year since we have been operating this way. However, Bikers of Good Will existed even before the official foundation, so we have dozens of actions in different institutions. We made over 100 children happy today alone. But I'm sure we get more than we give. It's an incentive for children to go better, further, to reach the top of their abilities", says Bučan.
According to him, in addition to helping those in need, Bikers of Goodwill have another goal - to change the image of communities and society about two-wheeler drivers.
"The image that was formed about bikers based on movies and series is not the most representative, and we are changing that in this way. What we want from citizens is to pay a little more attention to the rear-view mirror and to respect us in traffic", concludes Bučan with a smile.
The next stop of the Bikers of Good Will that day was Independence Square. There, again, to the joy of the little ones, they distributed gifts, but also good mood, positive energy and will. And photos to remember the gathering.
They are going on a long journey, who knows. But the Montenegrin bikers will surely get where they need to make someone happy.
Bikers bring joy with them
The holiday season is a time of traditional gift-giving, spreading positive energy, love and support, said the director of the Resource Center "1. June" Maja Kalezić.
"New Year's gifts have a special significance for all children, because we know that a child's smile is priceless. For our smiles and good mood, we thank the bikers of good will and the organization ATV Klub Montenegro, those who are always there and who do not forget our students. We thank them not only for the gifts, humane gesture and attention, but also for the great energy they brought to our school", said Kalezić.
Educator Milja Vulić adds that, in addition to gifts, Bikers of goodwill bring joy with them.
"Besides the presents, the children look forward to spending time with them, they look at the motorbikes with interest, put on their helmets..." she says.
Vulić says that a child's smile and soul is something we should strive for.
"Each of us is a child at heart, but sometimes, when we are young, we forget that. It's a special and unique feeling to see children happy, smiling, hugged and loved", concluded Vulić.
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