Throughout the year you have nominated, voted and supported our four GIVE’R charities, and it is time to showcase the incredible impact the Bikergang has made on our local community this year. We have introduced to you our four charities each year, but we want to share with you the impact you have made on these charities this year and just where your money goes.
Special Olympics Calgary
1520 riders
GIVE’R grand total: $15,200
Special Olympics Calgary provides opportunities for those living in Calgary with an intellectual disability to stay active and participate in sport. When we make our donation to Special Olympics Calgary it will go directly into creating programs for the members of this community and ensuring that Special Olympics Calgary can provide the training, support, and resources required to run their programs. Currently, Special Olympics Calgary offers 41 programs to over 866 athletes and is supported by over 391 volunteers.
Safe Haven Foundation
1264 riders
GIVE’R grand total: $12,640
Safe Haven was founded in 1999 and was co-founded by a couple who made it their mission to keep homeless and at-risk teenage girls safe and off of the streets. We had the amazing opportunity of touring the Havens Way home and meeting some of the amazing people who have been supported by the Safe Haven Foundation over the last several years. By being our GIVE’R charity of Quarter two, Safe Haven will have the opportunity to continue taking at-risk teenage girls off of the streets and providing them a safe and encouraging home environment. Without donations, the Havens Way home would not be able to support the number of girls they support each and every year.
Gymnastics Play-it-Forward Projects
823 riders
GIVE’R grand total: $8,230
Gymntastics Play-it-Forward Projects supports underprivileged children in need by teaching unique and specialized play and sports opportunities. The goal of the organization is to build confidence, self-esteem, and acceptance in others for those participating in the program. The donation made on behalf of the Bikergang by YYC Cycle will go to creating programs in countries like Uganda, Guatemala and right here in Canada. Each program is specially designed for the community in which it takes place, and the money raised for the organization will go directly to helping children in need grow, develop and play!
Taking Strides Calgary
1402 riders
GIVE’R grand total: $14,020
Taking Strides is a completely student-run organization that started at the University of Calgary and is supported by a group of passionate volunteers. Taking Strides aims to improve physical literacy in children with disabilities. Through their one-on-one programs, Taking Strides supports children in developing motor-skills and positive social relationships. With the support of the Bikergang, Taking Strides will be able to develop more programs and help more children improve relationships and physical literacy.
We will be beginning to vote for our quarter one charity for 2019 soon! Be sure to nominate your favourite charity on Instagram or Facebook, and stay tuned for who you will be helping us support next.