By Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Tilbury Times Reporter
Many of us know that sinking feeling when we have been of victim of theft. Imagine losing something that is your personal lifeline to everyday living. Michelle, a Belle River resident is that victim.
Michelle has cerebral palsy and depends on the bike to get around town. She used her adapted trike for a variety of things, such as grocery runs and visiting family and friends. After she moved into a new building last year, the specialized bike was stolen on the first night. She has been without a bike for a year now.
“The bike she had stolen had been her transportation, her independence, it meant everything to her,” said Chris, a personal friend of the victim. “She had moved into a new residence…and somebody took the locked bike the very first night she owned it.”
According to Rick Anderson, Belle River/Rochester Goodfellows president, everyone knows Michelle in Belle River.
“If you saw that trike out in front of Tim Hortons, Foodland, Shoppers, you knew she was in the store,” said Anderson.
“The Goodfellows had a meeting, and we decided to replace the bike. We do special things like this if it comes to our attention, and if it wasn’t for the community, we wouldn’t be able to do this.”
So, the Goodfellows set about quietly finding a replacement trike.
Blaise Baillargeon, owner of Source for Sports in Belle River, assembled and adjusted the trike on his own time as a way of giving back to the community. He also provided a new lock for her.
“The bike is a three-wheeler that is stable and good for getting around,” he said. “However, in her case the bike needs to be set up to accommodate her special needs. You can’t just go out and purchase a replacement bike.”
“This is just good for the community and the right thing to do,” added a humble Baillargeon.
The bike was shipped from Ohio.
“If it wasn’t for the community and our vendors, we wouldn’t be able to do anything like this,” said Anderson. “The organization is more than just our basket giveaway during the holidays, if we hear of those needing assistance through the year, we step up and assist but, it’s the community that donates to our banquet and especially our newspaper sales. All proceeds are used to help those in need throughout the year.”
Friend Chris speculates that someone had planned the theft out in advance, cutting all three locks with bolt cutters.
Getting around was going to be a challenge as public transportation was difficult for her to use and taxicab and Uber expenses are out of reach.
“It was really hard on her, she’s independent, and it’s been very hard for her to ask for assistance over the past year,” said Chris. “What the Goodfellows have done is give her an amazing gift…one she is very grateful for…it means a lot to her.”
“You can tell she was very happy by her face when she received the bike,” Chris added. “It’s a great step to regaining that independence and getting her life back in balance.”
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