Our Signature Bikes & Helmets Program
'EVERY KID SHOULD HAVE A BIKE' – that is the philosophy that drives the Kiwanis Club of Calgary Chinook’s “Bikes and Sporting Goods” Program. With the generosity and contributions of many individuals and organizations we are providing many less fortunate youngsters and their families with bikes, helmets, sporting goods, and winter clothing.
The donated or purchased (from garage sales) bikes and sporting goods are cleaned, repaired and are in good condition. Using parts & supplies provided by Kiwanis, most of the bikes are repaired and cleaned at the Calgary Correctional Centre by inmates learning a new skill in their bike shop. In 2023 the Centre was going through renovations that effected the amount of bikes they were able to provide to us. That meant Kiwanis volunteers still had to repair a large number of the bikes that we gave away last year. Kiwanis volunteers also added bells and bike locks to most of the bikes. The social/case workers from several agencies and concerned citizens identify where there is a need for bikes, they then pick the bikes up at one of our scheduled giveaways and deliver them to their clients. New bike helmets are also offered with each bike.
The program started in 1997. Since the beginning of the program we have provided 9376 bikes and 10241 helmets to less fortunate families. In 2023 our numbers were back to pre-Covid numbers. We donated 443 bikes and 435 new helmets throughout the city (the agencies are listed on the reverse page). This includes bikes and helmets to those referred to us by friends, neighbors, etc. Many of our bikes have gone out to the many refugee children now making Calgary their home. The many cards & thank-you letters we receive from the children, their parents and caseworkers express their joy and appreciation.
This program is partially funded by the sales of donated, used ski and snowboard equipment. We are also very grateful for the financial support from many caring individuals, groups and companies.
We estimate that our donated bikes (most complete with a lock and a helmet) cost the program $60.00@.
The Kiwanis Club of Calgary Chinook appreciates and acknowledges the valuable support of the community & the following organizations that help make this program successful:
The donated or purchased (from garage sales) bikes and sporting goods are cleaned, repaired and are in good condition. Using parts & supplies provided by Kiwanis, most of the bikes are repaired and cleaned at the Calgary Correctional Centre by inmates learning a new skill in their bike shop. In 2023 the Centre was going through renovations that effected the amount of bikes they were able to provide to us. That meant Kiwanis volunteers still had to repair a large number of the bikes that we gave away last year. Kiwanis volunteers also added bells and bike locks to most of the bikes. The social/case workers from several agencies and concerned citizens identify where there is a need for bikes, they then pick the bikes up at one of our scheduled giveaways and deliver them to their clients. New bike helmets are also offered with each bike.
The program started in 1997. Since the beginning of the program we have provided 9376 bikes and 10241 helmets to less fortunate families. In 2023 our numbers were back to pre-Covid numbers. We donated 443 bikes and 435 new helmets throughout the city (the agencies are listed on the reverse page). This includes bikes and helmets to those referred to us by friends, neighbors, etc. Many of our bikes have gone out to the many refugee children now making Calgary their home. The many cards & thank-you letters we receive from the children, their parents and caseworkers express their joy and appreciation.
This program is partially funded by the sales of donated, used ski and snowboard equipment. We are also very grateful for the financial support from many caring individuals, groups and companies.
We estimate that our donated bikes (most complete with a lock and a helmet) cost the program $60.00@.
The Kiwanis Club of Calgary Chinook appreciates and acknowledges the valuable support of the community & the following organizations that help make this program successful:
|
|
|
|
|