FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 27, 2017 2:30pm
(Ottawa) – An anonymous donor is helping the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) put some smiles on some lucky kids’ faces, just in time for prime biking weather.
On Saturday April 29th at the McNabb Community Arena, 60 kids, between 8 to 13 years old, will get brand new bicycles, thanks to the generosity of this donor.
“Children should grow up knowing that police men and women are our heroes; they protect us and provide the services to ensure our communities are safe,” said the donor. “No child should ever think twice about approaching a police officer for help or comfort.”
The Bikes for Kids event will include bicycle safety lessons, completed by Safer Roads Ottawa, to go along with their brand new rides. They will also be receiving bike helmets, bells and reflective equipment.
“We want to make sure these kids remain safe on the roads,” said event organizer and Ottawa Police School Resource Officer, Sergeant Adam Coakley. “What this donor has done is allow us to reach out to our partners in both the school and general community to identify kids who have worked hard to overcome various different challenges in their lives.”
After training, OPS has arranged to get the bikes to the kids’ homes if their parents don’t have a vehicle available to transport.
“I certainly remember the excitement of receiving my first bike, and I’m looking forwards to sharing that with the kids this Saturday,” said Sgt. Coakley.
“I am hoping that with the gift of a new bike, ‘hero’ will be how they describe the officers in their neighbourhood,” said the donor. “Every kid should have a bike and what a great way to give it to them.”
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