Tri Club to help homeless
Safe donation—Neil Corbett of the South Delta Triathlon Club donates a used helmet to Jenna McNeil of Delta Bike Company to kick off a collection of bike equipment for the homeless.
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The South Delta Triathlon Club is looking for donations of bike helmets and spare bike parts to help provide assistance to those in need.
The club was asked to collect the much-needed items as part of Homeless Connect Day, which takes place on Oct. 22 at St. Alban’s Church in Richmond.
“It’s not something that immediately comes to mind when helping the homeless, but it is needed and an area that I thought we could help with,” said club president Neil Corbett. “We’re asking our members and the public to donate used helmets, as well as bike accessories such as carriers, stands, pumps or safety reflectors.”
Richmond has about 250 people considered to be homeless, many who use bikes to recycle and as their basic mode of transportation. Many don’t have helmets, reflectors or bikes that are considered to be safe.
Donated items can be dropped off by Oct. 21 at the Delta Bike Company (5694 12th Ave.) in Tsawwassen. Owner Dave Enns noted the helmets should be less than 10 years old and in good condition. All helmets will be checked for integrity, as an aged or damaged helmet would not be usable.
As an added incentive to donate a helmet, anyone deciding to purchase a new one will be offered a 15 per cent discount.
Homeless Connect Day will include a wide variety of services such as medical and dental care, eyeglass repair, pet care, outreach and addiction services, income assistance and employment services.
Corbett and other volunteers will be on hand to fit the helmets and do minor bike repairs.
