Bike company gives after man’s bike is stolen

A man biking across Canada, whose bike was stolen in Winnipeg, is one step closer to riding again.

22-year-old Anas Cheema’s had just arrived in Winnipeg from Victoria, B.C on his trek across the country.

He’s raising money for SOS Children’s Village a charity that help orphans around the world.

But his bike and all his possessions were stolen from a McDonald’s on Leila Avenue Wednesday night but thanks to the overwhelming number of Winnipegger’s offering to help, Cheema has a new bike and donations for his charity are growing.

After reading our online story, a Canadian bike distributor, Cannondale from Alberta, offered to help Cheema, giving him a bike of his choice.

Global News was with him with his went to pick it out at Olympia Cycle and Ski on St. Mary’s Road.

“This was an emergency situation,” said Rob Boyce with Cannondale in Toronto, “my thought was when I saw it was, he’s in Winnipeg by himself, no where to go with no bike, what do we do?”

So the distributor asked Olympia Cycle and Ski to give him what he needed.

“Clothing, racks, pedals, shoes, it means a lot,” said Olympia Owner, Brian Burke, “it’s enough to get him on the road and going comfortably.”

Cheema was so overwhelmed by the generosity, he was speechless.

“Wow, I’m am so amazed,” said Cheema, “I have no words this is just so great, I never thought this is how it’s going to end up.”

Cheema has received dozens emails and facebook messages people offering bikes, equipment and condolences. Even donations for his cause have doubled since Thursday night.

“I kind of feel I have Winnipeg on my back right now,” said Cheema, “I feel like that’s another cause I’m serving on my trip now, get going for winnipeg.”

He hopes to be bound for Newfoundland on Sunday.

Anyone who wishes to support Cheema on his ride can contact him and find out more on his Facebook page.