Burnaby senior refurbishes hundreds of bikes for children in need

A retired salesman in Burnaby has been refurbishing used bikes and donating them to the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau for more than 10 years. 

 "I'd like to do it for another 10 years if I can," said Dennis Baker. 

"As long as I'm able."

The 78-year-old spends three to four hours each day inside his workshop in a Burnaby housing complex repairing the donated bikes. 

In his first year of refurbishing bicycles, Baker was able to donate six bikes to local children in need. Last year, he fixed up 101 bikes for the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau.

"I'll probably have about 90 or so this year," he said. 

Baker receives bikes from private donations, and while he currently has dozens in his repair shop, he could use some help with safety gear.

"What we don't get — which I would dearly love — is helmets."

"I hate to see the kids riding around without a helmet on."

Baker — a member of the Burnaby Lougheed Lions Club — says he volunteers to help the community.

"I'll tell you what I think of — a kid who doesn't have a lot, coming down on Christmas morning and finding a nice bicycle under the tree." 

To hear the full story, click on the audio labelled: Burnaby senior refurbishes hundreds of bikes for children in need