Unable to have an auction last year due to not enough bikes collected by their office, and a sale not being able to take place this year due to social distancing, the Winkler Police Service decided to donate them instead.

The nearly sixty unclaimed bikes were given to the Adult & Teen Challenge Super Thrift Pembina Valley store Friday afternoon.

Police Chief Ryan Hunt says they chose Adult & Teen Challenge because of the work they do for people in the community and province.

"There are so many success stories of people who've needed help from Teen Challenge just within our community that have gone through the program. It's improved their lives, and I think it's a great opportunity to help them out, so they can do more."

With the store now open after being close due to COVID, Pembina Valley Store Manager Nettie Harder says it's been nice to see people again, and the donation is much appreciated.

"It's a huge deal for us," says Harder, "And all proceeds go to Adult & Teen Challenge. It's not just about the money, but for the graduates to have a place where they can go and serve and come back into society and the workplace."

The donation could not have come at a better time, she says, as many families have been expressing their need for bikes as they prepare for the summer.