The Kiwanis Club of Cochrane believes every kid should have a bike and it's that belief that is driving the service club's new bicycle recycling program.
In partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane and Area (BGCCA) and bike recycler Geoff Pyke, the Kiwanis Club is hoping to get as many children out on the pathways before the summer's end.
Ron Gosselin, president of the Kiwanis Club of Cochrane, said the program is modelled after a similar one in Calgary that is wrapping up its 20th year. In that time, it has helped hand out approximately 11,000 bicycles to children and families in need.
Before being given over to a lucky family, the bicycles are cleaned, refurbished and equipped with the necessary safety features – reflectors, bells and, if needed, families are given helmets.
Currently, Gosselin has eight or nine bicycles ready to go and another four have been given to the BGCCA for distribution.
“We at BGCCA are thrilled to be working with the Kiwanis group and supporting our community’s youth with bikes graciously supplied by Kiwanis,” said Jill Bilodeau, director of the Boys and Girls Club of Cochrane. “This gives us the opportunity to gift bikes to children who need them, increasing their physical literacy skills and promoting healthy habits.”
Anyone wishing to donate bicycles to the program can contact Gosselin at [email protected]. He is also inviting other service clubs to assist in the bicycle recycling program.
