Wonder Wheels - Give Bikes to North Shore Families in Need
James Wilson, owner of Obsession Bikes, has a passion for giving back. He’s built a program of repairing previously loved bikes, and giving them to families in need. At one time called Bikes for Tykes, the program united 240 bikes with new owners in 2024. Children and adults in need of independence, autonomy, and reliable transportation.
Run in partnership with Family Services of the North Shore, Wonder Wheels donations now have charitable status, and you can get a tax receipt for donating. Recurring donations are the best for any charity, and what better cause could you support?
Did you know there are about 1,350 households across the north shore earning less than $20,000 per year?
Some other great features of Wonder Wheels:
Repairs to the bikes are primarily done during the winter months when his bike mechanics would otherwise have less work. This keeps skilled workers in our community employed year round, and strengthens our local economy. Go Canada! Go local Jobs!
Over 3400 kids & adults have received a bike from this program. It’s been going for 18 years and counting!
Actions You can Take
Donate Money. One time or recurring - cash donations are critical to programs like this. What better program to set as a recurring $10 per month donation? Make a difference to a family in need, and encourage more biking in our community.
Getting more people on bikes makes our city better in all the ways that bikes can - it makes our streets safer, reduces local pollution, increases health, increases autonomy and independence, and has a climate benefit. What a wonderful program: Here is the donate link.
Donate a new, or pre-loved bike. Have a new or gently used bike you no longer use? Give it a second life and let it keep giving joy. More details on bike donations are on the Obsession Bikes website.
In addition, consider supporting Family Services of the North Shore in all of their work.
“We believe communities must take care of their most vulnerable.”
“We offer counselling, support, education, and volunteer engagement opportunities to help you reach your full potential throughout your life, whenever you need us most.”
What a wonderful, North Shore organization whose values I share.
Hear From the Leaders
Watch James Wilson (owner of Obsession Bikes) and Julia Staub-French (Executive Director, Family Services of the North Shore) share the story of Wonder Wheels in their own words. It’s a heart-warming watch.
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