Local man refurbishes dozens of bikes for those in need

Most people enjoy their summers by soaking up the sun or taking road trips, but one Brazeau County man has committed his summer to repairing used bikes to give away to people in need.

Shannon Card has spent the past few weeks fixing up bikes that have been donated to him, from bicycles fit for a five year old to a 70 year old. 

Card says it all started by going to the local dump one day, and noticed nearly half a dozen bikes sitting in the steel bin there. 

“They were in good shape and some could have been rode that very day, and didn’t need to be in that bin. So I just decided that I should ask around so maybe I could refurbish some and distribute them to people who need them.” 

Through the power of social media, Card posted to a local group page on Facebook appealing for bicycle donations and received a thunderous response. From there he has coordinated all the pick-ups and drop-offs through the site, by posting images of bikes that are ready to go to a person in need.

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“It’s usually people that message me for other people that need bikes. I then arrange a drop off time, usually on Saturday’s at Eldorado school parking lot,” he adds “The people that do get the bikes are very happy, especially the kids.”  

Donations of bikes have poured in from the surrounding area, with the local landfill pitching in and keeping any bikes that come in to the side so they can be picked up. Card adds that the community response has been astounding.

“I get calls every two or three days with people saying they saw my post on Facebook, and have bikes ready to be picked up. It’s been overwhelming.”

Dozens of bikes are lined up in his yard, with around 50 being donated to be repaired and given away. Card says he spends around four to five hours a day on fixing up the bikes, depending on what kind of shape they are in. 

All the repairs are done free of charge, with Card adding that he doesn’t expect any money in return for his work. He says as long as there are bikes donated and are in need of fixing up, he’ll be at it all summer long.