Testimonials
The bike program started 4 years ago with Larissa Nielson purchasing 75 bikes to donate to kids in need. We then collected more bikes throughout the summer. We were posting about looking for a bike mechanic when Stephan Gallant offered to assist us. That first year we ended up donating close to 200 bikes. Over the next 3 years the bike program has exploded. Families drop off their donated bikes to different volunteers and I along with my son Logan Rocque (who works non stop to support the community initiatives) drive around the city picking up all of these bikes. We then bring them to Stephan’s house where he repairs them. I then post and donate these bikes out to families who are on a waitlist for bikes or by doing random draws on the Campaign to Empower the Community group. In 2021 we gave out 525 bikes, in 2022 we gave out 431 bikes. This year in 2023 we have given out 200 bikes as of June 28. I cannot thank Logan and Stephan enough for helping make this Bike program such a huge success. Also, I want to send a huge shout out to everyone that has donated bikes to the program. The number of smiles and amount of joy that you have all brought to these children and their families is unmeasurable. It is truly heartwarming and the true meaning of Paying it Forward with acts of kindness. Thank you all for your continued support.
If you would like to continue your support, we are still looking for donations of 24- and 26-inch bikes for the bigger/taller/older children. We could use monetary donations to help us to purchase much needed parts such as seats, tires, tubes, brake and gear cables. But most importantly we are going to need volunteers to help us to keep the bike program going after Stephan moves back to Quebec. Please reach out and help us to continue to help families in need and put smiles on children’s faces.
Also, a special thank you to all of my volunteers that continue to keep our Campaign page running and to Derek Simmonds for offering your services to our members to pick up and drop off bikes, as well as help them with furniture pick ups, dump runs etc. Your services go above and beyond. If you require his service, contact me and I can provide you with his number.
Teresa Rocque
Founder of Hearts Centre and leader of the Campaign pages and Community InitiativesNew Paragraph
My wife volunteered me to fix the bikes during the first year of the bike program. Due to the pandemic, she wanted me to do something. Since I like to fix and work on mechanical stuff, she thought it would be a good idea.
Fast forward we are now in the fourth year of the bike program. I have continued volunteering because it is for a good cause. Growing up in a small town in Gaspe, QC, there was no organization like Teresa's to help the families in need. What better way to use the knowledge i learned from taking the bike mechanic course and apply it by helping this worthwhile organization. Also I want to set an example to my kids, showing and teaching them that giving and helping those in need can make a difference in someone's life. Since we have been fixing these bikes, there are more kids who are active and enjoying the outdoors. We have put a lot of smiles on children’s faces by providing bikes to families that couldn’t afford to buy one. Furthermore, I enjoy fixing the bikes. I am continually learning and gaining experience from all of this. I want to put my bike mechanic course to good use and this program allows me to do that. I would love to be hired to do this full time if the opportunity ever presents itself. I have now fixed approximately 1600+ bikes over the last 4 years. It makes me so happy knowing I have been part of the impact this bike program has made to families in need!
Stephan Gallant
Bike Mechanic
I enjoy volunteering for hearts because of the foundation Teresa Rocque built it on its about helping people, from the moment i came across their facebook group it has been nothing but positive vibes and helping others its about giving people a helping hand when they're down. We believe in supporting one another and lifting eachother up. The beautiful thing about our group is the structure in how it is run, it gives everyone a fair chance to obtain items their family is in need of weather its entering an ISO in our file section of pur Facebook group or even entering one of the many fun Draws we run during the holidays to hopefully make them that much easier for families.
Danielle Rose Hollowaty
What I can say about Teresa Rocque ❤️ and the group campaign to empower. Teresa Rocque is 1000% in to help people in need. Teresa is the most organized person I have ever met. She is quick at returning messages. I have donated and also have received help from this group, when times have been tough and we all have tough times at one point in our lives in this group. Teresa is the most fair in this group. I love this group it has brought me to tears many times. Teresa is the most compassionate person I have ever met. All the hard work she does for this group and expects nothing in return. She has the biggest heart ❤️ and gives her 1000% every day. The world would be a place if we had more Teresa Rocque. Everyone in this group is very grateful for Teresa and the group. Teresa is priceless ❤️
Jen Hansen
We came to Canada six months ago from Ukraine. Our whole life fit into two suitcases. My children miss home and everything they had there. And one of my children's dreams was to have bikes to ride with their friends. Getting the bikes made them very happy. We are very grateful to you and your bike program🙏
Yulia Ojo
Teresa has helped my family and immediate family so much over the years it's unimaginable! She has also during that time arranged for myself, my husband, my 3 kids, and my two brothers, all to receive bikes and even helped us trade in for bigger ones when the kids outgrew the ones we originally got. We couldn't possibly be more grateful for the kindness and generosity and devotion of Teresa, and Stephan who is the man responsible for storing and repairing donated bikes to be gifted to children who otherwise wouldn't have one! And lastly The Hearts Centre that donates those bikes through the Campaign To Empower The Community Facebook Group!
Alia-Terrae Jordan
I love spreading the word about your bike drive. We have donated bikes as well, when ever we know of family or friends uprising their family bikes we tell them that this campaign is the route to go to donate your old bikes, give kids who have less then other kids a chance to enjoy the thrill of riding a bike , let them feel the joy of independence and the joy that it brings to them will be all the thank you that's needed...
Not every family can afford such a costly item and now with the cost of living going through the roof why should a family have to ponder over the question of buying food or buying your kid a bike...
Give the gift of freedom to a child and let them enjoy what you no longer need and make something old new again!!!
Great job to you all! God bless
Lisa White
If it wasn't for all of the programs that Teresa is involved in my family wouldn't have had Christmas three years ago. You have been helping our family with things that we could never afford especially now with the cost of everything. Thank you for what you and your family and team do for families in need!
Daryl Wallis
Your bike program has made a big difference in my children's lives, they're more happier, active and full of life! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Teresa Rocque
Hogan Jai Eyy
The bike program helped 6 of my grandkids. They would not of been able to get out and do some family biking. They have had a smile and gratitude ever since the bike program provided them each with a bike. I really hope this well needed community program continues.
Melissa Boe
The bike program has added joy to my son and grandson. My grandson can join his friends in riding around at the park and around the block.
Crissy Cardinal
The service Campaign to Empower is a wonderful organization that goes above and beyond to help and support to children of all ages. Teresa has made a family of four extremely happy and grateful that they have bikes to ride. Warms my heart that a special people like Teresa and Steve (bike mechanic) would go above and beyond to make sure kids will be provided with a bike to enjoy their childhood. Kudos to Teresa and to her Campaign to Empower the Community Group Colleen Dunki
I believe that the bike program is a valuable service for the community. When I got a free bike for my son through the program, my son said to me " thank you Mom, you are the best mom ever". Not only has the bike program brought immense joy to my son, but it has also given me the opportunity that I wouldn't have had before to bring joy to him. A million thanks go out to Teresa and the bike program! You have made our summer! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Christina Rawluk
We chose to donate bikes and parts to this group because we knew that they would be going to people who need them and might not be able to afford one. This program makes a
huge difference for families in need!
Jocelyn Beier
My family didn’t receive any bikes. We donated some. We feel blessed to have been able to pay it forward. In a world where you can be anything be kind. Teresa Rocque when I first saw and heard about your program, I told my family and friends and that’s how it started. It became word of mouth, and they brought bikes here and we donated 7 bikes. When people hear other people need help it just became a ripple effect.
Barbara Dalpe Van Engelen
This a wonderful program that helps children and families who can’t go out and buy brand new bikes. The bikes are in great condition and help to put a smile on kids’ faces. My family appreciates this so much !!
Margaret Harding
I had bikes my kids grew out of just sitting in my shed. The bikes were too good to throw away but needed some tweaks to have them road worthy. I was delighted to be able to take a number of them over to be fixed up and to know they would be given to families that could use them. What an excellent opportunity. Thanks.
Judith Pearce
Thank you Teresa Rocque and the bike program, my 3 grandkids that I adopted was the happiest kids on the block,their big smiles made me tear up when they zoomed down the Block, thank you from the bottom of our 💕 and I know alot families probably are very grateful
Barb Bruce