Sometimes we receive an unexpected email from a reader that really inspires us.

Colin Heilbut, one of the founders of Charlie’s FreeWheels, a charity in Regent Park, Toronto, teaches at risk youth how to put together a bicycle over the course of a two-month after-school program. The organization just won a Bicycle Friendly Business Award and he informed us, “we were very pleased to see the program receive recognition from the mayor's office tonight in being honoured under the 'Best Skills Development' category.”

Participants are encouraged to build upon their achievements, hopefully pursing internships at local bike shops and leadership roles at future Charlie’s FreeWheels sessions.

Co-director Joshua Farr said in a press release, “The pride of rebuilding a bicycle builds self-esteem and responsibility in young people. After the program, our students have significantly honed their problem solving abilities while having also gained a marketable skill.”

You can view their digital yearbook with the past participants thoughts, stories and photos HERE. After checking out the site, wow, a similarly implemented program could work well in Spokane.

Charlie’s FreeWheels was found to celebrate the life of Charlie Prinsep (1984-2007), who was killed by a car while biking from San Diego to Toronto.

Visit cpin.ca

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