WINNIPEG – Anas Cheema says his faith in humanity hasn’t been affected by the theft of his bike in the middle of a ride to raise money for orphans.
That one bad act has spawned thousands of good acts, the University of Victoria student said Friday morning.
“You know, there are moments in your life when you don’t have any words to describe what’s happening. It’s unreal,” he said.
Cheema’s bike, which was carrying his wallet with all his identification, his phone, his camping gear and his clothes, was stolen while he was in a McDonald’s on Leila Avenue on Thursday morning.
The bike has been spotted for sale for $500 on Kijiji but the ad has since been taken down. Police have the information and are investigating.
Even without his bike, Cheema will continue his ride. Since Cheema’s story went public, he’s been offered six different bikes, including a new Cannondale Caadx 5 from the company. Multiple people have offered their own bikes so he can continue his ride.
The ride, which Cheema dubbed Take Me Home, is raising money for SOS Children’s Villages, which supports 80,000 children in 132 countries. Cheema volunteered with the organization in Pakistan, which is where he’s from, and said he’s seen firsthand the value of the work the organization does.
If the thief is caught, Cheema just wants his possessions back and to offer the thief forgiveness, although he added he wants to do what’s best for society at large. He also would like to talk to the person and find out why the bike was stolen.
“If they could have come to me for money, I could have donated money by myself,” he said Friday. “If we do good, we will attract good.”
Cheema said the kindness he has been shown, not the memory of the wrong done, is what he’ll take with him when he leaves Winnipeg.
“I believe in good,” Cheema said. “No one is born evil or born bad.
“There’s both good and bad people everywhere.”
Anyone who wishes to support Cheema on his ride can contact him and find out more on his Facebook page.
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