|
|
When Alexi Rainier, and a number of other regulars at the coffee and donut shop, heard one of the employees they only knew by her first name — Maryan — had her bike stolen a couple of weeks ago from in front of the store, they wanted to help out.
Rainier said Maryan is a single mother of three and needed her bike to get back and forth to her job. And being without one was proving to be a problem.
“We often spoke to her and she’s a really lovely person,” Rainier said.
“And she was going through some hard times when this happened. We wanted to make things right again for her.”
So, the group started exploring ways of replacing the bike and had come to a dead end when they visited the local SPCA thrift shop (at Minoru Blvd., south of Alderbridge Way) where they related the story to staff there, hoping to acquire a bike that was affordable.
Unbeknownst to them, another shopper in the thrift store overheard the details of Maryan’s loss and had no hesitation in offering to help.
’Well, do I have a thing for you,’” said Rainier, recounting the discussion with the shopper who wanted to remain anonymous.
She told Rainier, “I have a Tim Hortons anniversary bike, and I’m going to give it to you.”
The bike was a prize in a Tim Hortons 40th anniversary Rrroll Up the Rim To Win promotion, and despite being a decade old was in good condition.
On Monday evening, Rainier and her group made a surprise presentation of the shiny red, two-wheeler just before Maryan started her nighttime shift.
“I want to thank them so much for dedicating to help me out,” Maryan said as she checked out her new ride. “They’re here all the time, and they’re always so nice to me.
“They made it happen, so I’m very thankful.”
