It was an "incredibikeable" event for Brendan Johnson, executive director of Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition, who received a donation of 42 bikes at DENSO's annual Build-a-Bike ceremony on Wednesday.
"The Build-a-Bike program is a highlight for our organization every year,” Johnson said.
“These bikes from DENSO have made a huge difference in the lives of so many families in our community. This day is also a reminder of the caring community that we live in and how acts of kindness, even from people who you may never meet, can change your life."
The team at DENSO’s thermal manufacturing facility in Guelph, worked together to build and donate 42 bikes this year for the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition (GNSC), bringing the gift of two wheeled-joy to local families this holiday season.
“It’s one thing to donate 42 bikes this year, but the reality is we all came together for a greater cause. This is our largest donation of bikes in DENSO history. It represents a $15,000 donation to the local community,” said Scott Love, senior specialist at Denso Manufacturing Canada Inc.
“The moment you set off on your bike, you set off on an adventure. Thank you DENSO Canada for helping local kids, teens and adults this year, realize their dream of owning a bicycle and for improving their quality of life.”
DENSO employees team up each year to assemble the bikes, which GNSC then matches with local families. This year’s donation includes bikes of various sizes, fitted for young children up to adults. Grand River Cycle also showed support by inspecting each bike prior to delivery, certifying their quality and safety.
Although DENSO had to pause Build-a-Bike in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, to date, the Guelph team has donated 197 bikes since launching the program in 2017.
“As a manufacturer, we pride ourselves on making things, and this activity is a fun way for us to use those skills to benefit our community,” said John Klassen, president of the DENSO Guelph facility.
“I’m grateful for our DENSO team, GNSC, Grand River Cycle and our local leaders who each year don’t just commit to make this effort a success, but show the good we can do when we work together.”
Ward 6 councillor, Dominique O'Rourke said Build-a-Bike is a great event, but that it's not just a 'one off'.
“These bikes are not just for fun, exploration, or a Christmas morning surprise," O'Rourke said.
"They get teens to their part-time jobs, they allow them to go out with their buddies. They can be very life-changing. They are important for social connection and for youth to be youth. Thank you DENSO. I think community is at your core.”
Fellow Ward 6 councillor, Ken Yee Chew said the donation transcends beyond 'just a bike.'
"I think there are folks who don’t understand the culture at DENSO as being a part of the community at the south end. They often just see four white walls,"
Yee Chew said.
"You often don’t see the synergy that takes place here, folks working late hours, finding time between their shifts to use their gifts and talents to serve the community."
Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said Build-a-Bike and the collaboration it inspires is a testament to the commitment of being there for each other, helping to strengthen the Guelph community and brighten the holidays for bike recipients.
“When I see the economic climate we are in now, and with the affordability crisis that is hitting everyone, especially for those unable to afford a bike, to step up like you did, is just phenomenal," Guthrie said.
“These gifts are bringing value. I think a lot of times, people are just going through a rough time. When they find out that DENSO took the time to raise the funds and put these bikes together, they are going to feel valued. And that’s more important than just a bike. You are bringing joy, value and importance in people’s lives. It’s not just abut getting around, even thought that is a huge part of it. You are making a huge difference in our community.”
Johnson said Build-a-Bike is about trust, giving and kindness.
“That is what this event means to me. You are all doing this outside of your normal shift. I can see the joy. It's an act of love. You will never see these bikes, but it’s the gift of love in your hearts knowing that these bikes are going somewhere beautiful,” Johnson said.
“It’s going to mean something. It's going to change lives and make people feel loved. You are doing this as a huge act of generosity and kindness, and that is what this is all about.”
