Pleins Rayons receives $2,000 donation
Last week Lyne Bessette, Member of Parliament for Brome–missisquoi, made a $2,000 donation to Pleins Rayons, the Cowansvillebased organization that promotes professional and social inclusion of young people from the BromeMissisquoi region who have an intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder through the development of vocational skills.
Bessette donated her annual MP’S salary adjustment to the local organization.
“Ever since I was a child, sports and physical activity have played a major role in my life,” said Bessette. “My passion for cycling is no secret, and with this gift, I wanted to let youth in my region get a bike and discover the joys of the sport. That is why I donated the $2,000 annual salary adjustment I received as an MP. Who knows? In addition to living healthier, some of these youth may develop a passion for cycling like I did.”
Pleins Rayons hosts more than 35 individuals daily for social economy projects or therapeutic recreational activities focused around cycling. Bessette’s donation enabled the organization to purchase bicycle parts and provide free bicycles to over 30 vulnerable youth in the Brome– Missisquoi area. The bicycles will help these youth become more active and reduce the time they spend in front of screens using technology.
“Lyne and I know the importance of getting our first bike and the benefits of cycling,” said Stephan Marcoux, the executive director of Pleins Rayons. “This gift will give a free bicycle to more than 30 local youth so they can experience the feelings of joy and freedom that cycling provides. In addition, this donation will encourage these youth to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”
In addition to sales of lowcost bicycles, the organization offers a repair service. Bicycles are repaired by young adults with an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder. This initiative enables these young people to play an active social role in their community.