A wish came true for a 97-year-old Waterloo woman.
Using a special bicycle with a chair fitted to the front, Elta Lincoln finally got the chance to ride a bike for the first time in her life.
The surprise ride was arranged by her retirement home with the help of Lincoln’s daughter and friends.
“It's different from the bike she had in mind but at this age it's a safe bike!” Marleen Durrell, Lincoln’s daughter, said.
Lincoln is a resident at Clair Hills Retirement Community in Waterloo.
They run a program called "The Living List."
The idea behind the program at Clair Hills is to grant 12 wishes to seniors at the retirement home.
“The program is that you're never too old or too young to learn something new and our hopes and dreams are alive at all stages of life,” said Kristen Lee, Executive Director of Clair Hills Retirement Community.
Lincoln thought she was attending the event so she could help some kids in need.
“Her wish was for a young child like her to have a bike, so they arranged for her to donate a bike to a child,” Durrell said.
Two bicycles were donated to Family and Children Serviceson behalf of Lincoln.
“We love to come out and meet people like Elta. She's a shining star among us in the community for supporting children who need that little extra in their lives,” said Deborah Barton, manager of community relations with Family and Children Services Waterloo Region.
Other wishes granted for seniors at Clair Hills Retirement Community this year include an elephant ride, helicopter rides, and a free bar night at the home.
With reporting by Alexandra Pinto.
