Five bicycles donated to Cranbourne charity in time for Christmas

Another five Lifeview Re-Cycle bikes will find grateful homes, this time around the Cranbourne area in time for Christmas.

The first delivery of Lifeview Willow Wood restored and repaired second-hand bicycles was dropped off to Community Information and Support Cranbourne (CISC) recently, an organisation whose team is busily putting together care packages and hampers to ensure local families can smile this Christmas.

CISC Executive Officer Leanne Petrides was overjoyed to receive the bikes, which she said “would make a big difference” this Christmas.

“Today we were absolutely overwhelmed to receive some beautiful, refurbished bikes from a delegation from Lifeview. These bikes have been reconditioned and they completely look brand new,” she said.

“We’ll be able to hand them out to people as part of our Christmas giving program, and we’d just to thank everybody who participated. Thank you so much.”

Petrides said CISC “provided a range of services to people in our community who are struggling to provide food and other expenses for their families”.

As cost-of-living pressures bite, organisations such as CISC have found themselves busier than ever, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.

Petrides said CISC was welcoming of support from people wanting to assist and she said the community had responded strongly this year by donating so many new toys and other items in time for Christmas.

“We are always welcoming of support, and people can simply pop on in to see us at 156 Sladen St in Cranbourne, or they can ring us on 5996 3333,” she said.

Lifeview Re-Cycle recently donated five bikes to the Chelsea Community Church of Christ, which will be distributed to those in need throughout the Chelsea and Kinsgston community.

The gentlemen that make up the Lifeview Re-Cycle program bring various skills to the table for each session, including sanding, painting, repair work and lots more.

“They really enjoy it,” said Maintenance Officer Robbie, who has helped drive the program since day one.

“And in addition to the great work they are doing on the bikes, they’re enjoying the sessions to get together and have a chat as much as anything else, which is great to see and very rewarding.”

The initiative featured on the front cover of the recent Spring 2024 edition of Aged Care Today Magazine and is being lauded for engaging residents in purposeful, interesting activities.

David, a resident at Lifeview Argyle Court, has been attending Re-Cycle sessions since the beginning. He looks forward to it every fortnight and feels it is more valuable to his health and wellbeing than some may think.

“Sometimes people in places like this perhaps used to retire and sit around and do nothing,” he said.

“But now, with these programs, you’re keeping people active and engaged. Mentally and physically to keep doing things is much better for people.

“I find it very important. If you sit around and do nothing, and TV's not worth watching nowadays, these programs are very important. It keeps us interested.”

Fellow resident and Re-Cycle team member Kevin, who used to work for Toyota, agrees, saying he thoroughly enjoys the sessions.

“Absolutely I look forward to them. It’s great,” he said.