Charity giving away bikes to kids in need
By Steffanie Costigan - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on May 9, 2023.
Simple things to us may not be seen as simple to a child. As a matter of fact, it is the simple acts of kindness we make that impact and can even inspire life for a brighter future.The Green N Yellow (GNY) Group is an organization with a mission to positively impact individuals within the community.
Mike Gervais, founder and president of GNY, talked to The Herald what first inspired the annual bicycle giveaway.
“I have a neighbour. He used to go up and down the sidewalk wherever he could. . . He was just a little kid. So the bunch of us got together and raised the money and bought him a brand new bicycle, and it completely changed his expectation in life as a kid. And then the light bulb came on, and we were like, we should do this on a more larger scale,” Gervais shared.
What started out as a kind gift to a neighbour in need advanced to 15 bikes being given away to children in the community and has now grown to this year’s 50-bike giveaway.
“The Green N Yellow group here in Lethbridge, we have done a lot of fundraising within the community. We have done bottle drives. We had businesses step up to give sponsorships and such. And we are raising money to give away 50 bikes within the community to kids that have like either had their bike stolen, or they have grown out of their bike, or maybe they just can’t afford one,” said GNY board member Katherine Kindt.
The GNY went to the public, asking the community for nominations of those they know are in need. All nominations were submitted with letters explaining why the individual nominated should receive one of the bikes.
Nominations closed last week.
Gervais one bike can have a strong impact on a child.
“Because kids just need a turn of expectation in their life, I believe, and a lot of times when you’re growing up, and you don’t have things, that is what you expect in the rest of your life. And somebody comes by and buys you a brand new bicycle, not just a hand-me down, but a brand-new bicycle. These kids got a brand-new expectation and gratefulness,” he said.
The giveaway is followed by a barbecue at Legacy Park, where the sponsors will be present and nominated. The event is by private invitation.
Gervais said the event doesn’t just impact the kids but also the adults involved.
“The biggest reason why we started the Green N Yellow group just about nine years ago was to help bring unity to the community in through different initiatives, especially like this one. This is one of our main ones. The bicycle isn’t just for the kids; it brings all the adults together, businesses together, and it creates a networking,” he said.
GNY is welcoming any community member who would like to volunteer at the event. The barbecue is hosted by GNY and has volunteers from the Exodus program contributing. Gervais said how wonderful it is to see the diversity of people coming together.
“It’s not just Green N Yellow. It’s everyone in the community gets together and has an opportunity to rub shoulders with everyone from poor to rich. And there is a shift of expectation that happens all the time; it’s kind of neat,” he shared.
Anyone who would like to donate can email gnygroup725@gmail.com, or call 403-795-4920 for more information. 2
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