Five more bikes donated by Lifeview Re-Cycle

Five restored bicycles were donated to the Chelsea community last week via Lifeview’s innovative Re-Cycle initiative.

Representatives from the Chelsea Community Church of Christ were on hand at Lifeview Argyle Court to accept the bicycles, which will find appreciative new homes in the community.

Pastor Adrian Turner said he was “enormously grateful to be part of Re-Cycle”, and he praised the “great work” of the Lifeview residents and staff driving the program.

“These guys are doing a wonderful job and we’re so pleased to be part of this program,” he said.

Re-Cycle is in action at two Lifeview homes, Argyle Court in Chelsea and Willow Wood in Cranbourne.

Sessions are overseen by Maintenance Officer Robbie and Social Support Officer Gayle, with residents getting hands-on restoring and repairing second-hand bicycles as a team.

The bikes have been mainly sourced from kerbside collection.

“We live in such a throwaway society these days and to be able to bring these bikes back to life is really rewarding,” Robbie said.

The social connections being formed and fostered through these regular sessions are proving as valuable to the residents as the work being done.

“They really enjoy getting together and we’ve even got one resident, Michael, who is coming from The Willows in Wheelers Hill to be involved at Argyle Court,” Gayle said.

Tinkering on the bikes is the kind of task many of the residents involved have spent years enjoying in their spare time or for work.

“There are so many great skills that have been developed by these fellas over so many years … and you don’t know what skills people have or what they enjoy doing unless you ask,” Robbie said.

“They’re getting so much out of this program, and I have to say, I am too. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Pastor Adrian yesterday shared a picture of a recently donated Re-Cycle bike and its proud new owner, which drew heartwarming reactions from the residents.

“He looks like a happy fella with the bike, that’s fantastic,” Kevin said.

Geoff agreed, adding: “That is very special, to see where the bikes go and how much they’re enjoyed. I’ll cherish that picture”.