Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Elevation Outdoors

Kelowna families in need had their spirits lifted this holiday season with new bikes.

A collaboration between non-profit Elevation Outdoors and Smith Creek Cycles with support from Brain Trust Canada and Bikeways helped get bikes and helmets to 50 families in the Kelowna community.

Used bikes donated from October to November were distributed in the last week to families that provided information on who would use the bike and why.

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With many of the recipients being new Canadians coming from a range of countries like Brazil, Mexico and Iran, the bikes helped make the holiday season brighter for the families, according to Elevation Outdoors' news release.

“This is a time of year that many families struggle, and to help parents provide a great gift for their children that will help keep them active and outdoors and hopefully create a lifetime passion for biking is one of the best gifts we can give,” Brain McClelland, owner of Smith Creek Cycle, said in the release.

One family said having the gift of a bike to provide their child meant they would be better able to get groceries during the holiday season rather than having to choose between food or a gift.

Brain Trust Canada donated helmets for all recipients that needed one, and Bikeways donated bikes to ensure that all applicants were able to receive a bike.

“We cannot thank the community and the other organizations that stepped up to be a part of this program enough. With a bike for everyone, and helmets to keep them safe, it really shows how caring our community is,” said Elevation Outdoors executive director Mike Greer.

The non-profit helps youth break down barriers through sport. Learn more about Elevation Outdoors by visiting its website.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Elevation Outdoors

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