Bikesmart Program Launch and Bike Drive Event

The Youth & Family Resource Network of Essex County is holding a bike drive event to launch their new Bikesmart program. The program provides job skills, leadership training and volunteer opportunities for youth. Donated and unwanted bicycles from the community will be reused and refurbished and made available for men, women and children as affordable transportation options. Bikesmart will also offer a full service repair shop.

The Youth & Family Resource Network received a grant of $157,400 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to fund Bikesmart for the next three years. Partnerships have also been established across Essex County with EWSWA (Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority), the O.P.P., and the Salvation Army Leamington. "Community relationships are important to ensure the success of Bikesmart," said Jenna Foley, Executive Director of the Youth & Family Resource Network of Essex County. "This program is designed to open doors, whether by helping youth obtain transferrable job skills or making transportation affordable for someone to pursue prospective education or employment options. Bikesmart is about providing opportunities," stated Foley.

The Bike Drive will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 11am-4pm in the parking lot of the Essex Civic Centre, 360 Fairview Avenue in Essex. Bikesmart staff will be onsite accepting donations of new and used bicycles, bike parts, and tools at the event. Members of the community are invited to donate or come to learn more about the Bikesmart program.  To read more go to www.leamingtonpostandshopper.com.