The municipality of Heerlen donates 75 new children's bicycles to Stichting Leergeld

Why are these bikes necessary?

The Leergeld Parkstad Foundation collects bicycles from residents. These are often old bicycles that are no longer in use. The Bovengrondse Vakschool refurbishes these bicycles so that children who really need them can use them. When a child outgrows the bicycle, they prepare it for a younger child.
But this is not enough. Every year, Stichting Leergeld has too few bicycles. They cannot help with all requests. These 75 new bicycles are therefore special. They help to solve part of the shortage. Together with Dekkers Business Bikes, the municipality of Heerlen provided good and safe bicycles.
With a safe bicycle, young people can participate fully in society. The bicycle becomes an important part of their lives. This is also stated in the policy plan 'Security as a Starting Point'. The Council will discuss this plan on Wednesday evening, February 25.

Alderman Arlette Vrusch responsible for poverty policy: "For many children, a bicycle is a normal thing. But unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. For a child, a bicycle means freedom and independence. It allows them to participate with their classmates. With this donation, another 75 children can safely go to school. They can cycle with their friends without any worries. As a municipality, we are happy to work together with our partners to achieve this."

What does Stichting Leergeld do?

Stichting Leergeld is a national organization. It helps parents with financial worries. Often, the children of these parents are unable to participate in activities because there is no money for them. In the Netherlands, an average of two to three children per class grow up in a family with financial worries.

Parents can apply for assistance for their children aged 4 to 18. They can receive assistance for:

• School supplies
• Laptops
• Cycling
• A membership for a sports or music club
• Other amenities