Donations of new and gently used bikes are being accepted at a charity BBQ being held this weekend in Sarnia.
Pedals for Purpose and Sarnia-Lambton Rebound have teamed up to hold the free event on Saturday afternoon.
Sarnia Police Cst. Ryan LeBlanc co-founded Pedals for Purpose in 2020 with fellow officer Fraser Moore. He said the goal is to make sure every child and young adult in the community has access to a bicycle.
"Initially, we saw a need for area youth but we've also had local institutions like Lambton College and social services reach out to us," said LeBlanc. "It's about helping young adults and teens get a bicycle and afford them transportation to and from school or work."
Cst. LeBlanc said in 2020 they collected and distributed around 40 bikes, and that number jumped up to over 100 last year. He said Buck's Bicycle Shop in Sarnia has been helping them out with repairs.
Fleck Law will be giving out some helmets and locks, and a bike mechanic will be on hand doing safety inspections.
Monetary and empty bottle donations are also being accepted.
The BBQ is being held on Saturday from noon until 3 p.m. in Rebound's parking lot at 10 Lorne Crescent.