Parkinson Recreation Centre staff are excited about helping one of their clients get back on the road with a new tricycle.
Ali Westlund, Mariko Siggers and Andrew Baron have organized a for Phil Hotzon, a regular patron and volunteer at the facility, raising funds to replace his damaged electric tricycle after a tumble late last month.
Ten years ago, Hotzon suffered a traumatic brain injury, which left him with some mobility issues. As a result of the injury, he can鈥檛 drive, so he uses a tricycle to get to his appointments and other activities.
Over the past year, Hotzon saved up enough money for a new electric tricycle.
鈥淗e purchased it last year but due to COVID, it took a long time to come in. There were supply shortages, so he just got it about two months ago,鈥� she said.
鈥淗e loves this bike and he just got it, but now it鈥檚 gone.鈥�
On April 30, Hotzon was leaving the recreation centre on his tricycle, using the trail that runs beside Mill Creek. On her way home from work, Siggers was cycling towards Hotzon and moved over to give him some space.
鈥淗e was trying to be courteous, and he moved over too. But the spot he chose to move into had quite a drop from the sidewalk to the grass,鈥� Siggers said.
Siggers said as soon as he moved and tipped over, he fell into the creek, along with his electric tricycle. After a while, two other men in the area came over and helped Siggers pull Hotzon out of the water. She said the creek was rushing fast at the time, so it took a long time before they were able to pull the tricycle out of the water.
But by then, the frame had been bent and water damaged the electric components. 91大黄鸭 E-Ride, where Hotzon purchased his tricycle, said it was unsalvageable.
People who work with him in his programs at the recreation centre decided to put together a fundraiser to get him a new tricycle.
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, just 16 hours after it launched, the fundraiser had raised $2,680 鈥� more than half of the $4,500 goal.
Westlund said Hotzon has no idea they鈥檝e even put a fundraiser together for him, but they know he will be happy and excited once they break the news to him.
鈥淧hil is such a face in the community. Every single person wants to help him out and not because we asked them for help, but because they know and love him,鈥� she said.
鈥淗e volunteers in programs when he鈥檚 not participating in them; he does anything he possibly can to help out. He is such a positive force and everyone who meets him loves him.鈥�
Siggers said she鈥檚 thankful the community has stepped up.
鈥淓verybody here just wants to help. We鈥檙e showing how much we care, and it鈥檚 awesome,鈥� she said.
鈥淲e appreciate everybody鈥檚 support. Thank you.鈥�
To help Hotzon replace his tricycle and get back on the road, visit .
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twila.amato@blackpress.ca
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