For the 13th consecutive year, Les Producteurs de lait du Québec is joining forces with Vélo Québec in support of the Fondation Dr Julien to give new bicycles to 20 children in community social pediatrics. Since 2009, more than 260 bikes with equipment have been given to children at the La Ruelle d’Hochelaga, Garage à musique and Côte-des-Neiges centres so they can participate in the Tour de l’Île de Montréal with their specialists next August 29. The cycling event didn’t take place in 2020 due to the pandemic.
This health crisis has impeded their progress in sports and weakened their physical and mental balance. Thanks to our two partners, these children will be able to use these bikes to get out and about, as well as practice during the summer.
Les Producteurs de lait du Québec is proud to contribute to the cause of community social pediatrics and to these children’s well-being: “Addressing physical inactivity is more important than ever in the context of a pandemic. Giving a bicycle to a child is a great way to introduce them to physical activity and, by extension, to a healthy lifestyle. Les Producteurs de lait du Québec is proud to contribute to this wonderful cause, thanks to which 260 bicycles have been provided over the past 13 years,” said Daniel Gobeil, President of Les Producteurs de lait du Québec.
These new bicycles are an incentive for physical activity and enable these children and their families to learn how to ride their bikes with Vélo Québec’s instructors. Cycling can help them stay active and grow safely and freely. “We’re thrilled to introduce these children to the joys of cycling during the Festival Go vélo Montréal. In addition to enjoying a unique experience at the Tour de l’Île on August 29, their new bikes will allow them to have fun and be more independent throughout the beautiful season. Congratulations to these young cyclists and our sincerest thanks to Les Producteurs de Lait du Québec for their continued commitment to the Fondation Dr Julien and Vélo Québec,” said Jean-François Rheault, President and CEO of Vélo Québec.
Dr Julien is delighted for this timely donation. “We thank these two loyal partners for their great generosity. It’s a privilege for the foundation, but especially for the children at our centres. We witnessed their distress during the pandemic, which clearly shines a light on the importance of moving and socializing. For our 20 children, this gift helps assuage the difficulties they’ve experienced in recent months and is a symbol of autonomy and self-confidence.”