Turning Wheels for Holiday Meals: 20 minutes can make a real difference

This year’s Turning Wheels for Holiday Meals was another huge success, raising 180 lbs of food and over $2,100 in cash for the Friends in Need Foodbank.

The Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association held its third annual 24 hour cycling marathon in Haney Place Mall Dec. 10 and 11.

BC Hydro supplied the Power Smart Bike, a contraption able to power about 10 strings of LED lights, attached to a beautifully decorated Christmas Arbour. The lights were shining bright as long as somebody kept pedaling the bike!

About 60 people took the challenge and cycled for 20 minutes each, collected pledges and food donations.

People from all walks of life or age participated; Rotarians, Council members and Municipal staff, business people and kids arriving straight from school. For the second year in a row Mayor Ernie Daykin participated and was followed by Joanne Olsen (Executive Director of the Friends in Need Foodbank), pictured here, they were joined by Ineke Boekhorst (Executive Director DMRBIA)

“Thanks to all participants for donating time, cash and food to such a tremendous cause, 20 minutes of your time can really make a difference to someone in need!” said Ineke Boekhorst.

Some of the many participants this year...

Joanne Olsen, Mayor Ernie Daykin, Ineke B. (BIA Executive Director)

Councilor Cheryl Ashley

Jim Coulter, Publisher of the News

And of course, Mrs. Claus