The Children’s Treatment Centre Foundation of Chatham-Kent has announced new funding to purchase adaptive bicycles for the Children’s Treatment Centre’s Freedom Riders Adapted Bicycle Loan Program.
The funding comes through the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Councillor Ward Funding Grant Program via Hydro One, with support from Councillor B. McGregor and Councillor Finn, expanding access to inclusive recreation opportunities for local children and youth receiving services through the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent.
The Freedom Riders program gives clients the chance to experience the joy, independence and physical activity that comes with riding a bike, using a fleet of specialized bicycles with adaptations and built-in features designed to meet a variety of physical and developmental needs. Each summer, families can borrow a bicycle to use at home, allowing children and youth to ride alongside their families and peers, with bicycles available from June through August on a first-come, first-served basis. During the school year, some bicycles are also loaned to local schools.
“Every child should have the opportunity to experience the freedom and fun of riding a bike,” said Councillor B. McGregor. “This funding helps remove barriers and gives local children and families access to adaptive equipment that allows them to participate alongside their peers. I’m proud to support a program that creates meaningful opportunities for children of all abilities right here in Chatham-Kent.”
Councillor Finn said the new bicycles will help more families spend time together.
“Programs like Freedom Riders show what is possible when our community comes together to create more inclusive opportunities for children and youth,” Councillor Finn said. “These new adaptive bicycles will help more families enjoy time together, stay active, and experience the independence that comes with riding a bike. I’m pleased to support the continued growth of this important program.”
The foundation says the new bicycles will strengthen the existing fleet and help meet ongoing demand for adapted recreation equipment in Chatham-Kent, and it thanked Hydro One and Councillors B. McGregor and Finn for their support. More information is available at ctcf-ck.com.
