WINNIPEG — Santa’s wasn’t the only workshop hopping this weekend.
“These mechanics, some of them have been working up to 18 hours,” said Pat Korawek, executive director of the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH).
This weekend was the third annual Cycle of Giving put on by the WRENCH. It’s a 24-hour bike-building marathon with the finished products going to children in need.
“Every kid deserves to have the joy of riding a bike,” said Korawek. “That sense freedom, that sense of autonomy, that sense of belonging. It’s also a really good way to prime a kid for a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Leah Kirchmann is a Winnipegger and member of the Canadian National Cycling Team. She knows how important an active lifestyle is.
“It’s just such a good feeling to be able to help out where I can,” said Kirchmann. “And help in the community that’s given me so much over the years. I want to share my love of cycling and get everyone on a bike.”
The donated bicycles are assessed to see what needs to be fixed, then one of the hundreds of volunteers gets to work. Once the bike is deemed safe, it’s scrubbed up and ready for its new owner.
“It feels amazing. Every year by the time the event is ready to start, we’re already exhausted, but it’s just the fantastic energy of everyone here,” said Korawek. “(They) are so stoked to work as hard as they can for the kids.”
The event wrapped up at 6 p.m. Sunday. The bikes will be delivered to 10 social agencies in Winnipeg that will hand them out to kids in need. To donate money to the cause go to http://www.thewrench.ca.
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