KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was pleased to sign on as an official partner of the first edition of the Our Cityride event held in Vancouver on August 19. Through its KLM Cares program, the airline donated 9 new bikes to selected youngsters and families. Sixteen more bikes will be offered in the next months to members of the Vancouver community.
KLM’s bike donations were carried out through the 365 International Sport Foundation, the organizers of the Our CityRide event to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Canucks Autism Network and Strathcona Community Centre.
Recipients of the bikes included a family of 6 children ages 3 to 17, a young girl and boy who can now attend bike camps for kids with autism, as well as a 19-year-old student attending the University of British Columbia who, after suffering a stroke, organized his own fundraiser at the university to help raise awareness amongst his UBC peers on how to recognize stroke symptoms.
The inaugural 17-kilometre Our Cityride Vancouver event attracted 1500 participants of all ages and abilities for a non-competitive ride taking them through the downtown core and iconic Stanley Park.
Over and above their donations of bikes, helmets and locks, KLM’s participation also included a fun obstacle path for kids to enjoy as well as a trip for 4 to Amsterdam open to all participants.
“At KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, we are proud of this partnership with the Our Cityride Vancouver initiative and its aim to work closely with various charities dedicated to the Vancouver community. We are looking forward to welcoming the winners on board one of our flights and have them enjoy their biking passion in the streets of Amsterdam,” shared Roland Coppens, Commercial Director, Air France-KLM Canada.
About KLM
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines was founded on October 7, 1919 and is the oldest airline still operating under its original name. KLM is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, a group of twenty airlines including Air France, Delta Air Lines, and Alitalia who are also its transatlantic joint venture partners. KLM has been part of the AIR FRANCE KLM Group since the 2004 merger.
In Canada this summer KLM operates 37 weekly flights to Amsterdam: Vancouver (7), Calgary (7), Edmonton (4), Montreal (7), Toronto (12).
About Cityride
365 International Sport Foundation (365ISF) was created to integrate signature sport properties such as Our Cityride and others to communities around the world. They are committed to working closely with each host city, partners and local stakeholders to ensure that communities directly benefit from hosting 365ISF events.