The Salvation Army is inviting the public to the official launch of Wheels for Family Wellness, a bicycle-lending program, where there will be fun activities for children, treats and an area set up for families to test drive the bikes they would like to borrow.
The event takes place at the Next Steps Resource Centre on Saturday.
The program is aimed at helping low-income families to participate in a healthy, outdoor activity without it being a financial strain.
The inventory of bicycles includes sizes for adults and children, child carrier seats, bike racks for vehicles and a child tow trailer.
All the bicycles are loaned out with a lock, an emergency kit and a helmet.
Next Steps Resource Centre applied for an innovation grant from the Salvation Army to create a program for the community that was outside of the box and not something the service organization was already offering.
The program, run in partnership with Oak Bay Bicycles, loans bicycles to families for two weeks at no charge.
If a child enjoys the experience, the Salvation Army would work with their family to find a suitable bicycle for him or her.
Saturday’s event is free to attend. It runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Victoria Citadel Church and Next Steps Resource Centre, 4030 Douglas St.
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