***** Update – As of August 2020, we have reached our fundraising goal. We appreciate your continued donations to support the ongoing operation of this program. *****
With support from Lanark County Council and several local businesses, we have taken the next step by launching a $7,000 crowdfunding campaign with the goal of purchasing our first trishaw.
For those not familiar with the movement, Cycling Without Age (CWA) started in Copenhagen Denmark in 2012 and has spread internationally to 50 countries with 2,200 local chapters (as of March 2020). Special three-seat, electrically-assisted bikes called “Trishaws” allow volunteer cyclists called “Pilots” to provide free rides to the elderly while building friendships. Worldwide, CWA has 33,000 trained pilots and has served over 1.5 million people.
In a 2017 study conducted at the Saint-Louis Residence in Ottawa, pilots observed the following responses from their passengers: “Sang O Canada; Laughed a lot; Loved the sunset. Waved to everybody; Smiled the whole ride; Happy; Laughing and stomping her feet; Loved the fresh air; Loved the beauty of nature; Yelled “Woohoo!”; Felt relaxed.”. We aim to bring this experience to residents of Lanark County’s seniors’ homes.
There is no doubt that our elderly have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. From those who live in seniors’ residences fearing the next outbreak to those who have contracted the disease facing a higher risk of mortality, this is a difficult time for the eldest among us. Taking an elderly resident for a ride in a trishaw will be a great way to show we care once the pandemic restrictions are lifted.
We are partnering with the crowdfunding platform Wayblaze for this campaign. We chose Wayblaze because it targets Social Inclusion, Health and Wellness projects in local communities.
Help purchase our first trishaw by donating now.