"[Donating was] a win-win-win decision; a child gets a gently-used bike that they would otherwise not receive. The bike isn't tossed into the landfill and the donor learns the important life lessons of giving and benevolence."
...Todd and son Wesley from Whitby. Wesley found MFW online and was directly involved in the donation of his bike.
"Making the decision to donate the bikes was an easy one! I like that those in need receive the bikes, I like that I was able to clear out my garage and to know the bikes were not just going to be trash, I liked that I could use this as an opportunity to teach my daughter about charitable giving and that, though it is hard to give away precious things that we no longer use, that there are others who would appreciate it and be so very happy by her generous spirit."
...Audrey DeZwirek and her daughter donated two bikes. Audrey is also an active 'friend-raiser'' spreading the word about My first wheels! Go Audrey!
"Through My first wheels we have had the opportunity to use the bikes we receive as incentives to motivate community youth to participate in our recreational programs, where we provide a safe and positive environment for them to grow and develop as young adults.
As bikes are their primary mode of transportation throughout the neighbourhood, this program has proven to be very beneficial when it comes to addressing the needs of the community."
...Elmbank Community Centre (Rexdale)
"I chose to donate my kids' old bikes to My first wheels because it feels good to be able to pass them on so that other children might derive the same enjoyment our kids did."
Debbie L. donated two bikes (Toronto)
[Another child who will receive a bike] is with down-syndrome...that bicycle is going to be his Christmas present this year*.
The children were very excited and were thankful to My First Wheels and the donors for their generosity."
...Albion Boys and Girls Club (Rexdale)
*Update March 2010: Club staff told us that this child loved his bike so much he stayed on it, didn't want to get off for hours.
"As a social worker, I regularly deal with the sheer poverty and the struggles it creates within a family unit...this can have a great impact on the child's social and emotional well being, affecting academic success. To be given a bike...oh what a luxury! It would provide a sense of freedom...promote physical activity...and connect kids to their community by allowing them to have positive interactions outside with their peers. All of this and more...from an inspirational and ingenious grassroots charitable organization as My first wheels."
...Sonia Stefanutti, MSW, RSW, School Social Worker, Toronto. Sonia is an active "friend-raiser" of My first wheels! Woo hoo, Sonia!
Donate a bicycle you no longer need, and help get a child up, out and on a roll!
