This spring, MacEwan University’s Transportation Services turned parking violations into donations for children with special needs. MacEwan Transportation Services’ Make Magic raised over $7,000 for local non-profit You Can Ride 2.

The Make Magic campaign, which sees all parking fines reduced to $15 and donated to a worthy cause – typically runs during the holiday season. This year, officials expanded the program to run bi-annually.

“The spring campaign started off extremely strong and we saw that momentum continue as people became aware they could donate their fines in the spring,” says Transportation Services Director Jim MacDonald. “What really warms my heart is when people offered to pay the full fine once they heard all the funds go towards a charitable cause.”

The spring edition, which ran until April 14, gave community members the opportunity to clear their conscience and help kids experience the joy of cycling. The campaign raised $7,250 for You Can Ride 2 (YCR2)—a local non-profit that makes cycling accessible for kids with disabilities.

YCR2 program coordinator Molly Turnbull says riding bikes helps kids have fun, connect with each other, and strengthen themselves in new ways. It can also serve as great exercise, especially during surgery recovery. Turnbull says the bikes have also been successful in knocking down social barriers for many kids.

“A huge number of families have told us that having an adaptive bike allowed them – for the first time – to go out and do something physical in the neighbourhood together and that’s a significant social thing,” says Turnbull.

Watch for our next Make Magic campaign for a chance to clear your conscience and get rid of those pesky parking fines. For information on MacEwan Transportation Services visit their website or stop by the Parking Office (6-122).

For more information on You Can Ride 2, visit youcanride2.ca.