Strangers rev up support to make Zac’s wish come true

A bike-loving teen from NSW has combined business acumen and digital literacy to make his dream come true.

Wagga Wagga teen Zac is raising money on GoFundMe for a motorbike. Picture: Supplied

Hundreds of well-meaning strangers have cobbled together more than $6000 to help Wagga Wagga teen Zac secure his dream motocross bike.

After failing to get his mum’s approval to kick-start his moto career, Zac went the Gen Alpha route and established the Instagram account “asking_mum_4_a_motobike” where he posted daily videos asking her for a bike.

Ranging from “Not today”, “They’re too expensive” and “They’re dangerous”, Ms Burch finally began to relent, telling her son: “I’m thinking about it.”

Twelve days into his campaign Zac brokered a deal with his mum asking to go dollar-for-dollar on the cost of the bike if he could find 50,000 followers to support his dream.

She countered with 250,000 followers.

On April 29 Zac made progress by getting Ms Burch’s support to establish the GoFundMe – a move she felt would result in failure.

“I agreed thinking he wouldn’t get much traction at all,” she said.

“I spoke to Zac and let him know this was his baby and I wouldn’t get involved. I haven’t shared the fund either, this is all Zac’s doing.”

The campaign has touched people’s hearts – and Zac is even being recognised in his hometown for his venture.

Ms Burch said the “mature, level-headed” youngster fell in love with motorbikes after doubling on the back of his eldest brother’s second-hand Honda, but the cost of living had put a spanner in the works, despite both Zac and Ms Burch working two jobs.

“I usually work two jobs to support my family as I’m a solo parent and the cost of living is exorbitant these days which makes all the donations even more special,” she said.

“I get choked up watching all the support he has and the number of people that are donating to support a kid’s dream,” she said.

“It’s heartwarming to think that complete strangers are supporting him. I can’t express how grateful I am as thank you just doesn’t seem to do it justice.”

She said the ‘skip he has in his step’ was ‘lovely’ to see, and was sure her weekends would be filling up in the future.

Strangers’ comments have been largely positive, with many supporters praising his idea and offering encouragement.

Originally published as Strangers rev up support to make Zac’s wish come true