A local woman has made it her mission to ensure all of Calgary’s newest Canadians from Syria have a pedal powered mode of transport.
Gina Eaton’s garage in southwest Calgary is filled with bicycles after the Syrian Refugee Support Group lost the warehouse it had been loaned on a temporary basis.
Eaton, a registered nurse, says many of the Syrian transplants lack reliable transportation and outfitting all members of the family can have a positive impact on their lives. Access to bikes can help children make friends while bicycles assist adults get to work, shop for groceries and attend appointments.
“Over a thousand bikes,” said Eaton of her ambitious goal. “The adults use them for transportation needs, (they have) no cars, and the children, obviously the joy of riding is hoping to heal some of those wounds that they bring with them from going through war.”
Many of the donated bikes required maintenance. Eaton has reached out to friends and strangers with mechanical know-how asking them to volunteer their time and expertise.
If you would like to volunteer your time or donate a bike to the cause, visit Syrian Refugee Support Group - Calgary
With files from CTV's Kevin Fleming
