In a vibrant bike shop nestled in Calgary's historic Inglewood district, a powerful transformation is underway. Here, bicycles are not just for recreation; they are tools for building futures. This is the home of Two Wheel View, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable children and youth through mentorship and skill-building.
A Vehicle for Change in Calgary
The organization's workshop, bustling with activity, is where old bicycles are restored and young lives are rebuilt. Laura Istead, who has served as executive director for eight years and been with Two Wheel View for 15, explains the mission. "It's all about empowering youth and providing them with life skills, leadership skills, and employment skills," she says. For Istead and her team of approximately 16 staff, a bicycle is "a vehicle for change."
The programs are impactful. Each year, more than 300 young people graduate from initiatives like the Earn-a-Bike after-school program, a specialized bike program for Indigenous youth, and an employment training program. Participants are referred by various city agencies that support children and youth living in poverty and facing significant risks.
An Urgent and Growing Need
The work of Two Wheel View is unfolding against a troubling national backdrop. After years of decline, child poverty rates in Canada are rising again. According to data from 2024, the most recent year available, about 1.4 million Canadian children are living in poverty. The national non-profit Campaign 2000, which has issued a report card on poverty for over three decades, notes that child poverty has increased in every province and territory in recent years.
This statistic underscores a critical reality: there has never been a more urgent time to reach out to vulnerable children and youth. Community-based organizations like Two Wheel View are on the front lines, providing stability, skills, and hope.
Building Futures One Bike at a Time
As Two Wheel View continues its vital work, the organization is preparing for a leadership transition. Laura Istead has decided to step down in 2026, and the search for her successor is underway to ensure the continuity of their commitment to Calgary's youth.
The organization is one of many being supported by the Postmedia Calgary Christmas Fund, which highlights local agencies making a tangible difference. In the workshop where bikes are repaired, something greater is forged: resilience, confidence, and practical skills. For the at-risk kids who walk through its doors, the future they've been dreaming about starts to look possible.
