Christmas has come a wee bit early for 10 lucky youngsters.
Experience Cycling and DLC Lighthouse Mortgage teamed up to give bicycles to kids who are involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in the Cowichan Valley.
It’s the second year for the project and Will Arnold, owner of Experience Cycling, says it was heart-warming to see the response from the children.
“To see their smiles, that makes it all worthwhile,” says Arnold who surprised the group of kids at a gathering held at Experience Cycling on Friday evening, Dec. 14.
“Tracey Morrison of Lighthouse Mortgage approached me last year and we were happy to get involved,” says Arnold.
“We put a lot back into the community and this is a chance to give back to the community I love.”
DLC Lighthouse Mortgage purchased the 10 bikes through its Bikes for Kids initiative and owner Tracey Morrison agrees it was an exciting experience.
“It’s so nice to be able to give back,” said Morrison, who insisted that the program stay 100 per cent local by purchasing the bikes in Cowichan and making sure they went to Valley kids.
“This was the first year we got to see the kids who will be getting the bikes.
“The community supports our business and we want to show that we appreciate that,” she added.
Chelsey Sweet of CSweet Media organized the event again this year and Morrison says her suggestion to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters was “a good fit.”
“These kids are all set thanks to Will, who helped Tracey order and assemble the bikes, plus provided yummy snacks and a fun road safety chat with local RCMP educating them on bike theft prevention,” says Sweet.
“Each child has been provided with a new bike, helmet, lock and registration shield with Project 529 BC. Wonderful way to kick off the holiday season, a real Merry Christmas from Tracey and the Lighthouse team.”
Arnold says Giant Bicycles helped with some special pricing and his staff at Experience Cycling on the Trans Canada Highway will be assembling the bikes and getting them to the kids in time for Christmas.
“These are really high quality children’s and young adult bikes,” Arnold says. “We ordered bikes that will fit them personally.”