Charlie's Freewheels offers a build-a-bike program that gives youth the opportunity to build their own bike by refurbishing a used one. Photo courtesy of Charlie's FreeWheels
This Saturday, October 17, Charlie's FreeWheels invites the community to join them for an open house to celebrate their volunteers.
The open house is at Charlie's Bike Joint (242.5 Queen St. East) between 2 and 6 p.m. Anyone interested in learning more about the organization is invited to join in.
During the event, videos made by the youth participants in the Summer Advocacy Hub will be screened. They feature the new cyclists' responses to safety issues on the road. There will be a slideshow of photos from summer rides, food and a draw to win a $100 MEC gift card. The proceeds of the draw will go towards the general operations and programming of Charlie's FreeWheels.
The event is also a celebration of the many volunteers and supporters."It takes a village to build a bike," McIlveen-Brown says, "well, at the very least, a community of wonderfully engaged and supportive volunteers. We're so thankful for the time and effort that our volunteers have put into our organization. We simply couldn't do what we do without them."
Charlie's FreeWheels is an organization that empowers Toronto's youth by providing them with a bike and the skills to maintain it. Named for Charlie Prinsep, a cyclist who advocated for safety and accessibility, Charlie's FreeWheels has the vision of “Supporting the development of empowered young leaders to build on the strengths of the community and to become a leading resource for youth to engage with cycling issues in Toronto.”
Related on the dandyBLOG:
Build a bike, build your confidence
Clearance sale at Hoopdriver Bicycles
Policy Pumpers Community Group: Charlie's Freewheels
Celebrate car-free day with Charlie's FreeWheels
Youth master mechanics: Charlie's FreeWheels
