A Young Syrian Refugee Melts Our Hearts

Royalty free stock photo from Microsoft 365

It’s not often a Wheels for Winners mechanic is greeted with a kiss, especially from a three or four year-old, new Wisconsin and United States resident.

A Syrian family of six came in last Tuesday evening, November 21, brought by Open Doors for Refugees.  Alan, a Wheels mechanic, relayed this heartwarming story.  

Three of the children needed bikes with training wheels.  They were the cutest ever.  After they had gone outside to load up the bikes, the third youngest little girl came back, opened the shop door, waved at us, and blew us a kiss.  Our hearts were instantly puddles on the floor!

“Wheels for Winners’ staff are all volunteers.  Special moments like these and the Smiles on Bike Earners’ faces are why we volunteer,” says Board Chairperson Neil McCallum.

Thank you to Bikes for Charity ...

for their totally refurbished bike donation. An amazing job right down to the decals - new paint job and tires with spotless chain, sprockets, seat, handlebars, and rims!

Refugees From Stoughton Resettlement Earn Bikes

Such a great partnership! We love getting our refurbished bikes into the hands of people from around the world. Stoughton Resettlement says, “A giant thank you to Wheels for Winners in Madison for donating bicycles (including a lock and helmet) to 11 of our newest refugees. The volunteers there were so kind as each family selected their bicycles. Many of the individuals who we support come from larger cities where public transportation was the norm. For that reason, some do not have a driver's license or have experience driving. That said, whether they drive or not, bicycles are a wonderful way for them to explore their new community, fulfill needs more efficiently and connect with others. We appreciate this generous donation from #wheelsforwinners and hope you'll consider them the next time you are looking to get rid of a bike.” 

Thanks to Stoughton Resettlement for all you do!

A New Refugee Family to Stoughton Earn Bikes

Wheels for Winners volunteers Alicia Jepsen (top far left) and Nivali Ponce (top far right) help a new earners get bikes that fit them.

Another Refugee Family Makes a Home in Stoughton

Wheels for Winners volunteer Neil McCallum (2nd from left) helps new earners pick out bikes.