Calgary community group aims to provide 500 bikes to disadvantaged kids
Posted Jan 27, 2025 6:37 pm.
Last Updated Jan 27, 2025 6:42 pm.
A Calgary community is starting its annual donation drive to collect bikes and fix them up to give to kids in the city
The Forest Lawn Community Association says they want every kid to feel the joy of riding a bicycle as the organization kickstarts its annual YYC Kids Ride campaign.
The goal for 2025 is to donate 500 bikes to disadvantaged youth by the spring.
“The initiative provides bikes to kids who have no bikes and no opportunities, especially for at risk kids,” says Gar Gar, president of the Forest Lawn Community Association.
The group takes in bikes that people no longer need with the aim of giving them to those who don’t have any. Last year, the community group gave away over 200 bikes.
Gar says the goal is to donate even more this year given the rising demand.
“We want to accept all bikes, anywhere from small to adult,” he says. “Last year, we saw a lot of demand for big bikes because some 15-year-olds are very tall.”
The group has raised over 50 bikes so far this year.
“Seeing that happiness and seeing that excitement…we see kids coming in and they wouldn’t imagine that they have 500 bikes to choose from,” says Gar.
The organizations bike giveaway will take place at the end of April and the Forest Lawn Community Association will be accepting donations seven days a week.
