July 24/03 4:21 am - Hudson's Bay Company Donates Bikes to the Riders Ready Program

Posted by Editoress on 07/24/03
 

Hudson's Bay Company Donates Bikes
Courtesy OCA

Just 24 hours after the news was circulated by Nicky Pearson at Milton Track 200 and the Ontario Cycling Association, the Hudson's Bay Company has stepped up to the plate and has generously donated 19 new Mongoose BMX bikes to the Riders Ready Program in Milton.

The bikes were stolen from a secured storage area on July 19th, and left the Riders Ready program without the necessary equipment to continue the program. The program is geared towards community members with mental and physical limitations and low-income classifications. The instructors are experienced BMX riders aged 8-47 who donate their time to teaching these special young people. These children have designations such as Autism Spectrum Disorder; Tourettes; Asperger's Syndrome; Downs Syndrome; learning disabilities and low income. Currently participants travel from Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Burlington, Barrie and Milton.

"For a child, having a bike to ride is part of growing up. It's hard to believe that anyone would want to steal such an important source of joy from children, particularly those who are disadvantaged," said Thomas Haig, President and COO, Zellers, a division of Hudson's Bay Company. "We're pleased that Hudson's Bay Company can be a part of this happy ending."

The Ontario Cycling Association thanks the Hudson's Bay Company for their support.

If anyone else is interested in helping further grow this special program in Ontario, please contact Steve Merker, Executive Director of the Ontario Cycling Association at smerker@ontariocycling.org