A Coaldale couple hope their efforts to rehab old bicycles will not only help kids get active but allow them to continue to give back to their community.
Being on a fixed income, Donald and Bernice Curle decided rebuilding abandoned and donated bikes was a way they could do their part to volunteer in the community.
In 2002 they moved to Coaldale to be closer to their daughter, who later moved to Taber. Bernice was working in the city for the Good Samaritan Society but is currently on leave recovering from a knee replacement, her second such procedure.
“It was either walk or not walk.”
Donald, who has become a fixture in Coaldale on his three-wheeled bike, loves to cycle around the community.
Their endeavour to fix up used bikes began when someone asked if they might have a bike for a grandchild. Driving around the community they noticed bikes being thrown away in the trash that simply needed a few repairs.
With Donald already on disability and Bernice unable to work until she has completed her rehabilitation, the couple didn’t have the extra funds to donate to charitable causes.
They decided refurbishing bikes to donate to kids and adults in the community in need of a set of wheels was a way they could contribute.
More often then not they use parts from donated bikes to fix up other bikes.
“Why throw it away, putting it in the landfill,” said Bernice. “The only thing it takes is labour.”
If the couple can’t figure out a repair on their own they turn to Mike’s Bikes where Mike Williamson is always willing to help out.
“He is really a big support for us.”
This past spring the couple were able to find homes for over 36 bikes.
“It’s just so rewarding to give a kid a bike.”
“The bikes are free,” said Bernice. “If you are in need of a bike, give us a call.”
Local residents can also donate used bikes even those in need of some repair. The Curles are even willing to come pick up bikes.
Often the biggest fix that is needed is a little help with rusty parts.
“All we have to buy is WD-40,” said Donald.
When they can’t get parts from one bike to fix another they will order parts but with limited funds they try to “rob Peter to pay Paul” as much as possible to get the bikes back on the road.
They have even used the internet site Kijiji to advertise the need for donated bikes. Instead of trashing old bikes, the couple hope people will donate them so they can be put to good use in the community.
Bikes can be left on their lawn at 1505-19th Avenue or anyone with a bike to donate or who is in need of a bike can call the couple at 403-345-3125. The couple has provided bikes to local riders and also to some bikers living in other communities around the region.
They have been asked to donate bikes to other countries but the couple feel their is a local need they want to fill. Ironically growing up on a farm Donald said he never had a bike.
“I never had a chance to ride a bike.”
Now, if he’s not in the shed putting a bike together Bernice knows he’s out riding around town.
In addition to fixing up bikes the couple are also part of a canine rescue program in the region. They provide homes for dogs that are looking to be relocated to new families. They have three of their own dogs and always a few more seeking temporary shelter until they can find new homes through prairiedogcaninerescue.com.