This year, DENSO Manufacturing Canada donated 40 bikes to the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition who will then donate it to families in need around the community.
“Every year it’s just been growing and growing and growing. We’re at 160 bikes now,” said the director of operations at DENSO Manufacturing Canada, John Klassen about the initiative.
It all started four years ago when Klassen was inspired by an idea on a business trip that he was in. The idea was to work together to assemble bikes as a team-building exercise for the employees who could then give back to children in need in the community. The 600 employees participate in annual quality and safety initiatives that rewards them with bike parts. As a result, they are able to build a bike with their team at the end of the year.
“It’s purposely done at this time of the year because we know at this time of the year a lot of underprivileged folks want to do more for Christmas than they usually can,” said Klassen.
“So this gives an opportunity to give to the community and let those kids have a nice Christmas. It’s really nice the way it all kind of works together.”
Klassen told the employees at DENSO to start a cycle of generosity which will help build a stronger community and have a mutual feeling of love and friendship.
“We build bikes and we give them to the kids. Those kids are going to grow up, let’s hope that they too have a cycle of generosity there, they want to give back. And maybe the good feeling by giving these bikes you all got, maybe you’re going to donate to some charity and that going to build a cycle of pay it forward,” said Klassen.
Brendan Johnson, the executive director of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition said its always a speechless moment to see the multitude of beautiful bikes in one place knowing that they are going to help families.
Johnson shared the story of a five-year-old boy who’s bike had been stolen and the parents didn’t have the money to replace it. After coming to the neighbourhood coalition, the family received a new bike.
“The mom was ecstatic and in tears and the kid rode the bike home that day,” said Johnson.
He said the coalition already reached out to groups around the community to identify the families that would need and want the bikes the most. Each bike was inspected individually for safety by Speed River Bicycle.
“We’re going to directly deliver to those neighbourhoods and all those families will get these before Christmas," said Johnson.
