As seen on Amazing Humans - this project takes elderly residents out of Care Homes for cycle rides! We need funds to purchase more Trishaws!
by Fraser Johnston in Scotland, United Kingdom
Ultimately the more money that we raise, the more Trishaws that we can purchase. If our stretch target is realised, we would be able to purchase additional Trishaw bikes which would bring this project to new Care Homes giving up to 800 new Care Home residents the right to wind in their hair.
Who we are
We are a voluntary community group based in Falkirk in Scotland who are part of the global initiative Cycling Without Age. Founded in Copenhagen in 2012, Cycling Without Age brings generations closer together by sharing experiences by bike and is now in over 1000 Care Homes in 30 countries worldwide. The specially designed Trishaws allows local volunteers to visit local care and senior citizen facilities around the community and offer residents an opportunity to be a passenger on the Trishaw.
I personally am a 20 year old student living in Falkirk. I've lived here my whole life and have always taken the time to give back to others. Back in 2015 I was awarded the sportscotland Volunteer of the Year award and since then have devoted more of my time than ever before to good causes. Since 2016, I have been responsible for spearheading the launch of Cycling Without Age here in Scotland along with my colleague Christine Bell.
This is me (Fraser Johnston) taking one of our residents Mary Duncan and her best friend Chris Ogilvie out for a cycle ride.
What we are trying to do
The aim of this Crowdfunder is to allow us to bring this project to more Care Homes across Scotland. Through funds gained previously, we currently have three Trishaws in operation which are literally transforming the lives of the elderly residents venturing out on rides, and the volunteer pilots who are giving up their time to be a part of the project.
Why is this important?
Too often when our senior citizens become confined to their own homes or reside in Care Homes, they lack the freedom to get outdoors and explore the world around them. This project allows them to do just that, engage with passers by, take in the fresh air and environment, and generally feel like part of society again.
How can we make this happen?
This project is entirely (literally and subjectively) driven by the volunteers who donate their time to Cycling Without Age. In order for them to be able to do this, we need to have more Trishaws which are the absolute fundamental principle behind the project.
We cycle slowly, we share our stories and we build relationships across generations. Bringing all this together helps to make society as a whole better and more resilient.
"It's like a victorian carriage, minus the horse, which you don't need when you've got a strong pair of legs behind you. I have noticed a difference in Mary, her eyes look completely different, they're back to what they were years ago".
Chris Ogilvie - lifelong friend of Mary Duncan, a frequent passenger on the Trishaws.
Donate to make a difference
Please consider contributing to our project, you will really have a profound impact on the lives of others.
Thank you!
https://www.youtube.com/embed/-qzHn9jZNDc?wmode=transparent&jqoemcache=0c0bZ
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