A 10-year-old Sydney, N.S., boy who was bullied at school is saying thanks to the bikers who had his back by volunteering at one of their rallies.
“They helped me when I asked for it,” Xander Rose told CTV Atlantic. “So I’m only returning the favour.”
In June, hundreds of bikers from across the Maritimes came to Sydney to escort Xander to school after he spoke out about being bullied. This weekend, Xander is volunteering with his new biker buddies at a rally in nearby Membertou, N.S., doing whatever he can for the people that were there for him.
“It’s different than it was before,” Xander said of life after his motorcycle escort. “Only having one friend, and then you got a few more -- it’s different.”
Howard Mugridge of the Bay Boys motorcycle club said he’s seen a fundamental change in Xander since June.
“Since the ride, I find Xander’s self-esteem has gone way through the roof,” Mugridge said. “He’s a fantastic boy. He’s always smiling now. He’s always outgoing.”
Xander’s mother, Katie Laybolt, has nothing but thanks for the bikers.
“They’re really great to accept him and treat him like one of their own,” she said. “And I think that was what he needed.”
Xander, who attracted international attention after his June ride, has received messages of support from around the world.
“Just a lot of ‘thank yous’ to Xander for having the courage to get out there and say, ‘this isn’t right and I don’t want to be treated like this,’” Laybolt said. “And a lot of support for him, people telling him it does get better.”
Xander isn’t done giving back. Next up, he plans to volunteer at the ‘Kindness for Kids Fun Day,’ an anti-bullying fundraiser in his hometown of Whitney Pier.
With a report from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore
