A bike could change someone's life.
That's why Robin Campbell says Manna Homeless Society, which he co-founded four years ago, is branching into transportation.
"I know so many people that need bikes and it will change their quality of life—it will just be so wonderful," he said.
Campbell picks people up on a regular basis to get them places they need to go for food, shelter and other reasons. He said not only would a bike be good exercise for someone but it would allow them to be more independent, relying on others less, and ensuring they are able to get places they need to go.
He said he has asked homeless and those living in poverty before if they would consider a bike but they respond they don't have money to get one.
Campbell and Manna Homeless Society is asking the public for donations of good working bikes, which the society can then tune up and give to qualifying members of the public. They could also use safety gear, including helmets and vests, bike baskets, air pumps and other bicycle parts.
Manna has a van and can pick up bikes, or they can be dropped off at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre in Errington. Call Campbell at 250-248-0845 for more information.