NAMPA, Idaho — Martin Luther King Jr. Day prompts people to exhibit acts of service and give back to the community, and many in the Treasure Valley community wanted to do just that. The Ukrainian Welcome Centerand the Boise Bicycle Projectteamed up this year to donate bicycles to Ukrainian refugees.
“So we have 50 bicycles coming to the Ukrainian Welcome Center. We also have volunteers fanning out all over Boise, Meridian, and Nampa to kids that couldn't come to our holiday kids bike giveaway,” said Boise Bicycle Project Programs Director Devin McComas.
Ukrainian children and adult refugees in need of transportation received the bikes Monday.
“I think it's going to be a game changer, especially for those that sometimes all you need to do is drive to the store and you might only have one car in the family,” said Tina Polishchuk, Ukrainian Welcome Center Director.
After nearly a year of fleeing Ukraine and leaving all their belongings behind, it's a chance for the children to enjoy riding a bike and being a kid.
“They are home right now and asking me to send them photos of the bicycles,” said Natalia Brager, a Ukrainian refugee who was sharing her children's excitement to receive bikes.
The Ukrainian Welcome Center helps refugees by identifying their needs and coordinating community support.
“This is a great example of that, we don't do bikes, but we know someone who does. And so we were able to bring that recourse here,” said Polishchuk.
If you want to learn more about Ukraine Welcome Center, click here.
