Giving Tuesday: Help Youth Ride Into Opportunity
Every day, thousands of youth across Calgary face barriers to mobility, independence, and opportunity. At Youth en Route, we believe a bike is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a gateway to freedom, confidence, and connection. We work in Calgary High Schools every week, and see how just a few tentative pedal rotations can be the start of something more.
We teach basic cycling skills, help kids experience a group ride, and then give a bike, helmet and tool kit. From their, they are on their way – making friends, building community and finding their way in life.
Changing lives
A bike can change a life. It gets youth to school, to work, to friends, and to nature. It builds resilience, responsibility, and joy. For many, it’s the first step toward independence. We know it makes a difference to kids. Six months after they get their bike, 25% of students tell us they use them every day.
Here are three quotes from our surveys:
“It was really helpful during the summer because I used it to go to several places and it saved the cost of the monthly transit pass because I didn’t need to take the bus when I could go with my bike.”
“It has helped me and my family a lot. When we need to do small errands that are close by, we don’t need to use the car instead I can just use my bike. It’s really efficient for us all.”
“It really just made me feel independent.”
Your donation goes to work, not in the bank
Youth en Route prides itself with our transparency. Our reports to the community show our impact with hard numbers. In 2024-25 school year, we reached 4,000 students and refurbished 615 bikes for kids – including the 95 in our teaching fleets. Our revenue and expenses from last fiscal year are about 350,000. We do a lot, with a little. 2024-25 Annual Report will be posted very soon.
At just five years old, our charity is growing quickly. Any funding we get goes directly to our programming this year. We know the need is huge. At some schools, 11% of youth have never been on a bike. Imagine what they are missing out on?
Your support will help us expand our reach and deepen our impact in 2026.
Our goal – to fund 10 weeks at 10 schools
This Giving Tuesday, we’re aiming to raise $25,000—that funds 5 schools – with 5-days of cycling education. We have a generous cycling enthusiast who has committed to double all donations received in November and December. That means we can fund 10 schools. At each school, we reach about 150 students, and give away 10- bikes per school.
Every $100 donation equips one youth with the gear to go with their refurbished bike. But every dollar counts. Whether you give $10 or $1000, you’re helping someone ride into opportunity.
How You Can Help
- Donate: Visit our Giving Tuesday Campaign page and make a contribution.
- Share: Spread the word on social media using #YouthEnRoute and #GivingTuesday.
- Sponsor: Businesses can match donations or sponsor a school
- Volunteer: We’ve got big things planned for 2026 – reach out if you have some organizational skills, bike repair skills or just want to help out! Email events@youthenroute.ca
Ready to Ride?
Giving Tuesday is December 2. Mark your calendar, follow us on social media, and get ready to give the gift of movement.
Together, we can pedal toward a more connected, empowered future.
