Skilled union 'Squirrels' restore bicycles for Christmas

[Sherman A1]

Bruce LeCroix, a retired member of Meatcutters Local 88, and a group of other retired members from other skilled trade unions make up the Royal Order of the Squirrels, a group that admittedly garners laughs for its name, but when it comes to their organization, there is nothing funny about it.

For more than two decades, the Christian service organization has been doing good deeds in the community and playing Santa’s elves when the Christmas season hits. LeCroix’s brother Kevin, a union carpenter, and Eric, a union laborer, are usually helping side by side with other union brothers and sisters to restore bicycles for kids at Christmas. Meeting space is donated by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1 signatory contractor Grasser Electric.

Long before Christmastime, months in advance, the Squirrels start collecting forgotten bicycles found stashed in the corners of basements, taking them to their shop and refurbishing them.

“It’s not just new bicycle chains, air in the tires or a new seat,” Bruce LeCroix said. “We completely bring the bikes back to like new. The bikes are then given to the children after we finish — down to painting and polishing scrapes on the paint.”

https://labortribune.com/skilled-union-squirrels-restore-bicycles-for-christmas/

[SonofDonald]

1. Kids need bicycles

Without them they can't be kids

I've been doing this on a small scale locally for 5 years

I restore quality bikes from the ground up and give them away, whatever type the child wants I will find and restore

They all get my card so when they get a flat they call me and I take care of it

It's very rewarding

To see that smile when they get the bike and realize that they own it, I even give them a "title" to the bike

And that smile when the take it for the first ride....

Priceless