In hopes of putting smiles on the faces of local kids, Carrie Campbell and David McLean have been gifting bikes to families who can’t afford them with the help of social media.
When he spotted kids’ bikes for sale on a buy and sell page on Facebook, McLean reflected on how much a new bike would mean to a kid during these difficult times.
“I thought that as the weather improves, children need to get outside and exercise more than ever. Yet with the economic pressures that many families have experienced due to the pandemic, buying their child a bike might not be a possibility. So, I thought, wouldn’t it be great to buy some bikes and give them away to families that could use them,” he said.
When McLean shared the idea with his wife, she was equally excited. The couple purchased six bikes and posted the project on Facebook, hoping that their online friends would help identify families in need. They also reached out to friends directly to ask for suggestions.
After more than 250 shares on Facebook, the bikes were quickly spoken for.
This fuelled their desire to help even more. So far, Campbell and McLean have bought 17 bikes and four strollers to gift to families.
“It’s so important for our mental health right now to notice the small ways we can make each day better for others,” said Campbell. “Causing another person to smile just naturally makes you feel good as well. Whether it’s giving away a bike, sharing veggies from your garden, or grabbing your neighbour’s recycle box from the curb and returning it to them, there are many ways to help each of us regain our sense of self. Paying it forward reminds us why we’re here and that we’re all interconnected.”
Because the campaign was so successful, Campbell and McLean said they are likely to launch another giveaway if they see a need in the community they feel they can assist with.
“We felt that we were given so much in return after witnessing the joy on the faces of the children, parents, and grandparents,” said McLean. “We encourage others to seek out ways to bring hope and positivity to our community as well.”
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Sometimes L❤️VE arrives with 2 wheels!
So proud of Carrie Campbell and David McLean for gifting local children with new bikes and strollers.
What a fine example of contributing instead of complaining. You’ve made a difference that these children will always have warm memories of.
Thank you from other ‘village’ members. ‘Buy a bike’ anyone?
‘It takes a village.’
What a wonderful, thoughtful and caring thing to do, good for you. There is so much need out there and so many people struggling such gifts bring happiness.
Congratulations Carrie and Dave
Kudos to you both Carrie and David!
An awesome thing to do!