The Buddy Bike is a Wish Come True

Thanks to a wish made by two mothers on behalf of their sons, 14 participants in a support program for people with disabilities were able to enjoy the thrill of riding a bike for the very first time.

Television station KVOS-12 and Wosk’s Ltd. granted a "Christmas Wish" last August for a Buddy Bike and 14 helmets. The wish had been made by parents Nina Pickburn and Gwen Lee on behalf of their sons, Manuel and Geoffrey, and their peers at the PACT Day Program. PACT is one of a wide range of essential programs offered by the Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living in Vancouver, B.C.

Since all the participants have intellectual disabilities and some have physical disabilities also, safety issues pose the greatest challenge to the PACT support staff in selecting recreational activities that stimulate and improve the mental/physical abilities of the individuals.

The generous donation from KVOS-12 and Wosk’s Christmas Wish program was used to purchase two bikes. Christmas Wish also donated a helmet for each participant.
Staff members then used their resourcefulness in constructing attachments to link the two bikes together. The result: a "Buddy Bike" for a participant and a staff member to ride side by side safely and leisurely.

Participants awaited their turns with eager anticipation to enjoy this new and exceptional experience, thanks to the united efforts of KVOS-12 and Wosk’s, the hardworking support staff of PACT and family members.

The Mainstream Association for Proactive Community Living can be reached at (604) 299-4001 or mapcl@uniserve.com.