Anyone with a bicycle collecting dust in their basement or garage is being encouraged to donate it to KidSport Tri-Cities.
The charitable organization, which equips young people in need with athletic gear and funding for sports registration fees, donated 25 bikes to Syrian refugee families that arrived in the area over the last year.
Chris Wilson, a spokesperson for KidSport, said a bicycle can be a main mode of transportation for someone who is new to Canada.
“It can allow them to apply for jobs or get to their language training,” he said. “It makes things a lot easier for them.”
While KidSport collects donations year round, families are invited to drop off bicycles or any other gently used sports equipment to the Port Coquitlam rec centre, the Port Moody recreation complex or the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex between now and Aug. 19.
All of the items collected will be on sale this weekend at the KidSport used equipment sale, which will take place at the Poirier complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam) on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Wilson told The Tri-City News that with hockey season around the corner, a child can be outfitted from skates to helmet for $100, including stick. For an adult, the price rises to about $130.
Equipment for many other sports, including lacrosse and baseball, is also available, with all proceeds going to KidSport to help young people in need cover the cost of equipment and fees for the sports of their choosing.
“[The sale] is open to the public,” said Wilson. “Some people think it is just low-income families that can participate. The proceeds are for low-income families but the sale is open to everybody.”
Admission into the sale is by donation or an item for the Share Family and Community Services food bank. For more information, go to www.kidsporttricities.ca.
THE DETAILS
What: KidSport Tri-Cities equipment sale
Where: Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St.)
When: Saturday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Info: kidsporttricities.ca.
gmckenna@tricitynews.com
@gmckennaTC
