Jo Dickey Foundation provides grant for new three-wheeled bike
Camille Jensen

If Jerald Abney could have it his way he’d travel the globe on his bike exploring each and every city hall that crossed his path.

The 54-year-old has a passion for maps and government buildings, and a recent contribution from the Jo Dickey Foundation is allowing him to seek out both in new ways.

The foundation that improves the quality of life for people who have a disability recently provided Jerald with a grant to buy a three-wheeled bicycle. Several foundation representatives were on-hand to see Jerald pick up his shiny red bike from the store Sept. 13.

“Happy,” that’s how Jerald says he feels whenever he’s riding his bike. He recently fulfilled another dream: taking his bike to Bowen Island where he pedaled along verdant paths, and even picked up a new map for his 100-plus collection.

Kristin Wickens, a posAbilities senior support worker, who accompanied Jerald to Bowen Island, says seeing Jerald receive his wish is what makes her work meaningful.

“It makes it all worth it when you get to see someone realize their goals and be happy and proud of themselves,” says Kristin.

She says it was Jerald who discovered the opportunity to receive support from the Jo Dickey Foundation after coming home from work with one of its grant application forms.

Jerald had been carrying around a photo of an adaptable bike, and staff members at posAbilities New Britton house encouraged him to apply for his pedal-powered dream machine.

Jerald initially asked for $200 towards a $500 bike. So he was more than surprised when he learned the Jo Dickey Foundation provided him with a full grant to buy an even nicer bike, complete with all the bells and whistles.

Since then posAbilities staff members have been working with Jerald on road safety skills with Jerald riding on paths nearby his Burnaby home.

Jerald has many places he’d like to visit, and gets out on average at least once a week to enjoy his new favourite activity.

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