My Journey with Youth en Route: A Final Farewell and a Bike Giveaway to Remember
As my time with Youth en Route as a Canada Summer Student Educational Assistant comes to an end, I’ve found myself reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had. From developing curriculum to teaching bike safety and maintenance, it’s been an experience filled with learning, growth, and a deepened sense of community.
One particular moment became to be the most significant out of the time I spent with Youth en Route. I was given the opportunity to give back to my community by organizing, planning, and executing a bike giveaway at my local mosque, the Imam Ali Association in Calgary.
This was a very heartwarming end to my summer and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Planning the bike giveaway
The idea for a bike giveaway came to me as a way to use the skills and resources I gained through Youth en Route to make a lasting impact. I knew bikes could greatly benefit families who couldn’t afford them, providing not just transportation, but freedom, independence, and joy—especially for children.
I reached out to the Imam Ali Association Calgary, a local mosque that serves as a central hub for many families in the community. I knew that it was the perfect place for the giveaway, as it would allow me to connect with families who could truly benefit from receiving a bike.
Once the location was set, the real work began. I spent countless hours organizing the event,
coordinating with Youth en Route, and ensuring that everything would run smoothly on the day
of the giveaway. From sourcing the bikes to making sure we had enough volunteers, there was a
lot to do, but the thought of seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces kept me motivated.
The big day: 20 bikes, 20 happy kids
As families began to arrive, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. Parents chatted with one another while the kids could not keep their eyes away from the bicycles.
We had 20 kids, which all went home with their new bicycles and a smile.
This giveaway caught the attention of the media. CTV News and Global News both came out to cover the story. And I had the opportunity to be interviewed alongside Laura, Youth en Route’s Executive Director.
During the interviews, we discussed how something as simple as a bike could open up new
opportunities for kids—whether it’s getting to school, exploring their neighborhood, or just
having fun with friends. For many of the families at the mosque, this was more than just a
giveaway; it was a chance to provide their children with a sense of freedom and independence
that they might not have had otherwise.
A lasting impact
As the last bike was given away, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of fulfillment. Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and the gratitude from their parents reminded me of why I joined Youth en Route in the first place—to make a difference.
This event was not just about giving away bikes; it was about building connections, fostering a sense of community, and empowering others through the gift of mobility.
Looking forward
This summer has shown me the power of community, the importance of giving back, and the incredible impact that something as simple as a bike can have on a person’s life.
As I move forward in my journey, I will carry these memories with me and continue to find ways to make a difference in my community.
In the end, it’s not just about the bikes we gave away that day; it’s about the hope, joy, and sense of possibility that we were able to share with others. And that, to me, is the true measure of success.
By: Kauther Alsaimari
Lucky for Youth en Route, students can expect to see Kauther riding along with classes as she continues as a part-time employee while continuing her own education.
