A hundred Montreal youngsters received brand new bikes on Saturday as part of Sun Youth’s annual bike giveaway.
The organization known for this initiative celebrated their 40th anniversary by giving back to youth who have made a significant impact in their community, like 15-year old Hilda Obimah.
“I was sick for a long time, and now I’m getting better,” Hilda said. “The hospital, the medical care, people like the doctors and therapists, they gave me the bike because they found I was working hard… to encourage me to not give up, to continue working hard, to follow my goals and get better.”
Kids five to 17 were given a new bicycle, a helmet, a lock, and a certificate of merit to recognize their achievement, but also remind them of how far they have come.
Much like Hilda, Dave Raiden Cuasay received his bike after helping his mom through a seizure. He says he’s proud of his reward.
“This reward is very special because I helped my mom and a lot of people to get this kind of reward, and this will stay in my heart,” Dave said.
Sun Youth says the initiative is possible because of late Montrealer philanthropist Avi Morrow, who remained an anonymous donor to the organization since 1984. Morrow, nicknamed Mr. Bike Man, wanted more Montreal children to be recognized and celebrated.
“It’s just fun being here and seeing the smiles, seeing kids happy, and their parents proud as well,” Sun Youth spokesperson Meeker Guerrier told CityNews. “It’s extraordinary to just learn the stories, also, of the kids receiving that gift. Some kids have saved lives, and I just think it’s something that should be underlined. It’s something that should be celebrated.”
Over the last 40 years, more than 2,100 new bicycles have been distributed.
