Communities co-operate to help kids

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Two years ago a small boy had his bike stolen in Alberta Beach. Local Metis constable Dyanne Weston took pity on him and petitioned the police force for a replacement bike for the lad. She eventually was able to get one, but it was a long, convoluted process.

That incident sparked the Bikes for Kids initiative, a program founded by Weston and Const. Leon Gay from Alexis First Nation. Together they asked individuals and municipalities to donate bicycles to them so they could distribute the bikes to children in their communities whose parents couldn't afford to buy them.

"This program is strictly focused at underprivileged kids who wouldn't have a bike if we didn't give it to them," said Gay.

Last year 30 bicycles were given to children between the ages of seven and 12. On May 27 and 28 this year, 34 bicycles and helmets were distributed to children as young as five. The event will be held every two years from now on, because most of the children will fit their bikes for that length of time.

The program has done wonders to curb the theft of bikes in the two communities. Thefts went down from being a frequent occurrence to only seven last year. "Our kids just don't steal anymore," said Weston, adding that all they really wanted was a bike.

"For weeks afterwards all you see is kids and bikes," said Gay.

The program has done much more than get young people zipping around on two wheels, however. It has brought Alexis and Alberta Beach closer as communities, breaking down prejudices and increasing tolerance and understanding, said Weston.

And it has made the roles of the officers more personable. When children see the constables in the street they wave and say "Hi."

Relying solely on donations and volunteer help, the success of the Bikes for Kids program is a testament to the involvement of the communities. Many of the local stores made donations, the chief and council of Alexis gave $1,000, and the municipality of Alberta Beach supplied much of what was needed to put the event together.

The towns of Leduc, Stony Plain and Spruce Grove gave most of the 52 bicycles; some came through private donations. The bikes that weren't needed this year will be put in storage for next time.

Most of the donated bikes had been confiscated by police and never claimed by their owners. Const. Gay said the quality of the bikes this year was outstanding, with many worth close to $500.

Children receiving bicycles participated in a two-hour community clean-up before being allowed to choose their bikes. Once they had them, they were taught proper riding procedures at a mandatory bike clinic.

Their bikes were then stored overnight and presented to the children in a ceremony the following day.

Hundreds of people from both communities came out to celebrate the program and eat together.

Weston and Gay worked on preparing for the program for six months. The main volunteer help came from Evansburg constable Norm Mathon, Bernie Podgurney and Dawna Eichhorn. These people, along with many others, repaired the bikes, bought the helmets, prepared the food and arranged the bike course.

"To see the smiles on the kids' faces makes it all worth it," said Weston.