Summer is finally in full swing here in Toronto, which for many of us means it’s time for outdoor pools, patio lunches, and walking or biking as much as possible. And here at Nellie’s, it means the return of our learn-to-bike program.
Last year, a true highlight of the summer was having 11 of the children staying at Nellie’s participate in a learn-to-bike program along with children living at The Redwood, another Toronto-area shelter for women and children. Through this program, the kids each received their very own new bike and helmet, and learned about bike safety and how to ride. Plus, the bikes and helmets were theirs to keep and take with them when they left the shelter.
We’re thrilled to work in partnership with The Redwood again this year to help bring these new experiences and opportunities to more children living in emergency shelters. While the primary focus during these sessions is teaching children core biking skills and safety, the program has an immense lasting impact for these children, equipping them with a new skill they will carry throughout life, encouraging an active lifestyle, and increasing their confidence.
“It was such a rewarding experience for myself and the other Bike Club team members to provide a space for children to learn a new skill, become more confident, and invest time in their health while learning ways that physical exercise and time outdoors can benefit them,” says 2023 Bike Club Coordinator, Simryn Singh.
At Nellie’s, we know that children don’t choose to come to Nellie’s — their mothers do. These children were torn away from their life, their schools, their friends, and their belongings, and thrust into new surroundings. Our job is to support every one of them in their unique healing process, making them feel safe, cared for, and at home. And through the Bike Club, we also give them the opportunity to just focus on being kids.
“Often, the children come with mom to the shelter space with many negative experiences (either witnessed or personally experienced), and they don’t have a chance to play and be carefree children or teenagers,” explains Simryn. “I was very proud of the Bike Club team for being able to provide this space for kids to be kids, and leave all their worries behind.”
One of the most memorable moments from last year’s Bike Club featured a young boy who spent two weeks learning to ride his bike with his mom beside him every step of the way, running the track beside him. “This young man was determined to learn to ride his bike,” explains Simryn. “Soon enough, he was off on his own and mom did not need to run with him for support, more so just to share the experience! As he was feeling very confident, he even convinced his mom to ride his bike — she had never learned to ride before. The Bike Club staff and her very determined son were able to get mom riding the bike on the track — this time with her son running next to her and cheering her on!”
Teaching children a new skill that they can carry through their lives to help keep them healthy (both physically and mentally), increase their confidence, and promote an environmentally-friendly lifestyle is invaluable. We can’t wait to show more children the magic of biking at this year’s program!