Community comes through with new location for Cycle Guild
The Cycle Guild of Medicine Hat is settling into its new location at 447 Allowance Ave. thanks to community supporters.
Earlier this year the guild, a local non-profit organization which provides bicycles to Hatters in need, appealed to the public for assistance, when it moved from its prior location at Safety City.
Several Medicine Hat-based organizations followed through with financial funding, which allowed the guild to rent its new workshop, as well as a storage unit.
“What we’ve got is quite good,” guild president and chair Baz Clarke told the News. “The only issue is we’re a little short of space. It’s cozy in there. So, it does limit the amount of room you’ve got to actually work on a bike.”
Nevertheless, Clarke and other guild members are happy to once again have a homebase for their operation; which has already exceeded its 100bike donation goal for 2022.
“We have donated approximately 137 bikes this year,” said Clarke. “Our total, since inception in 2020, is in the region of 350 bikes donated.”
To celebrate its achievements and relocation, as well as thank supports, the guild is hosting an opening event on Aug. 3.
“It’s quite a big deal,” said Clarke. “Even though we’ve been operating (at the new location) since the start of June, this is our big, official opening.”
The event begins at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting performed by Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark.
Attendees are then invited to stay for a barbecue lunch, all proceeds from which will go toward the guild. There will also be raffles for one adult and two children’s bikes.
Clarke has found Hatters to be supportive of the guild and thanks them for donations of funds, as well as good quality bikes and bike parts.
“A lot of people in the neighbourhood are stopping, asking us what we’re doing and bringing donations,” said Clarke. “We have an abundance of children’s bikes at the moment and would particularly appreciate youth and adult bikes which have 24 inch or 26 inch wheels/tires or larger.”
Clarke also encourages Hatters with mechanical knowledge to consider volunteering with the group.
More information can be found on the guild’s Facebook page.