Family and Community Support Services coordinator Lu Douce discovered the program in 2015 and immediately recognized the value it would bring the community. Lu had for some time been inspired by the dedication of Canmore resident Lloyd Church who modified his own bike with a seat to take his wife Ellie, who was in Eagle View long term care at the hospital, on bike rides. Now all seniors in Canmore have the opportunity to get outside, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies, and remain active members of the community. The Canmore chapter runs 2 bikes, 5 days a week from 3 separate locations from early spring to late fall: Origin at Spring Creek, Bow River Seniors Lodge and Canmore Hospital Long Term Care.
“Since Mel’s Parkinson’s diagnosis, our normal activities have slowly disappeared from our lives. Cycling Without Age has been something to look forward to each week and is definitely the highlight of our week. It is so wonderful to be outside, and the worry and stress of having to place Mel in care disappears during those 90 minutes together in the trishaw. Words cannot express how much the trips on the trishaw mean to us.”
– Sim Gascoyne
“Just wanted to tell you that it was such a fulfilling experience as a volunteer from start to finish. I felt so lucky to be the “3rd wheel” on what felt like a lovely date…the fact that the gentleman had Parkinson’s and Dementia, like my mom, really filled my heart. He grinned and chatted the whole way, and if there is a break from that disease…it’s worth any effort in the world to see that happen.”
– Paula Remple
Contact
If you or someone you know would like to sign up
for a ride or become a volunteer, please contact:
Luwanna Douce
403-678-7125
