On Saturday, May 23, 2026, 100 exceptional young people aged 5 to 17 were warmly welcomed at the Michel-Normandin Arena for the 42nd edition of Heroes on Bikes, Sun Youth’s annual bicycle giveaway.
Each participant received a new bicycle, a helmet, a T-shirt, a lock, and a certificate of merit in recognition of their journey and accomplishments.
YOUNG HEROES MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The recipients of the 2026 edition were nominated by people in their communities in recognition of their inspiring actions and personal journeys. Whether they came to someone’s aid, showed exceptional resilience in the face of adversity, or rallied their community around a cause close to their hearts, each of them demonstrated extraordinary qualities.
“At Sun Youth, we believe that heroes do not always wear capes. After meeting the young people we honoured this year, I even found myself wondering whether we should have included one alongside the bicycle, helmet, and T-shirt! It was heartwarming to see the 87 recipients receive their bikes surrounded by their families and excited to meet Flic, the police mascot. These young people reminded us that you are never too young to make a difference.” -Marina Boulos, Sun Youth Executive Director
Driven by courage, perseverance, and kindness, these kids embody values that deserve to be celebrated. Here are some examples among this year’s recipients:
Diana, 8 years old, heard a neighbouring child crying and being harmed and immediately called the police, helping protect the child and ensure they received help. Diana often says she hopes to become a police officer one day so she can continue protecting and caring for children.
Luke, 13 years old, raised more than $2,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation during his school’s annual fundraiser. Through his dedication and hard work, Luke helped motivate an entire community to contribute toward a cause bigger than themselves, helping his school surpass its goal of raising $25,000.
Élisabeth, 8 years old. A diagnosis of leukemia and three years of treatments never stopped this brave young girl. Despite the challenges, the emotions, and losing her hair, Élisabeth remained generous, compassionate, and always eager to help her classmates succeed at school. Even after missing so many classes throughout her treatments, she continues to excel academically. In January 2026, surrounded by her friends, she celebrated her final hospital treatment, the beginning of her remission and, a hopeful full recovery ahead.
.
Arélie, 10 years old. Always smiling and ready to help, this young girl is a true source of positivity in her classroom. Without ever being asked, she supports students who are struggling, helps organize materials, and is always the first to volunteer to help others. Arélie stands out for her maturity, patience, and deep compassion for those around her. Despite her young age, she is not afraid to stand up against injustice and inspires her classmates every day through her kindness, leadership, and incredibly caring heart.
.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
We wish all our young recipients of Heroes on Bikes a season filled with fun and discovery on two wheels. Participants also had the opportunity to register with the Garage 529 bicycle theft prevention platform.
A heartfelt thank you to all the individuals and organizations that contributed to the success of this event: RBC, our volunteers from CIM Conseil, Groupe Petra, and Foresters Financial, Commanders Brunet and McDermott of the SPVM, Gabriella Stien from Vélo Québec and our selection committee.
This initiative could not exist without the support of our generous donor, a former Sun Youth kid who has chosen to remain anonymous. Thanks to his contribution, young heroes can be recognized and celebrated year after year.
