Marymound students repair bikes to help others in need

Helping International Hope Canada in fight against Ebola virus

March 20, 2015- Bikes for Humanity-Winnipeg Chapter operated out of Marymound, is sending off 20 recycled bikes through International Hope Canada (IHC) to Sierra Leone on April 11 to accompany medical supplies that aid doctors caring for patients affected by the Ebola virus. The bicycles are essential transportation for the doctors to reach their patients in numerous villages.

Marymound began operating the Winnipeg chapter in 2013 as it already had a bike repair program with its own workshop for Marymound School students. There are about 10 youth ages seven to 17 that participate each year and it’s a great way for them to focus on something they can repair, and feel positive about their accomplishment. “It’s fun to be in the shop fixing something and helping someone else who needs a bike,” says an enthusiastic 12 year-old student.

Last October, the call for bikes went out to the community through Marymound’s social media channels and via word of mouth. Marymound receives the bicycles and as Bikes for Humanity’s motto states: “gives a bike a second life.” The repair process may even save, or at the very least, enhance lives, because bicycles provide transportation to food, water, health care, and education.

IHC sends a huge container to third world countries seven times a year, primarily to Africa. The container is mostly filled with medical supplies but IHC wanted bikes for the Sierra Leone destination. “We have 20 bikes ready to go on their first shipment of the year,” says Travis Liewicki who spearheads the Winnipeg Bikes for Humanity Chapter. “It’s nice to see our school kids helping others.”

Marymound and its Bikes for Humanity Winnipeg Chapter will continue its partnership with International Hope Canada whenever it has enough bikes ready for another shipment.

See the CTV story right here.

See the Winnipeg Sun article here.