The mother of an Innisfil teen says he was overwhelmed when local restaurants and others donated to replace his bike that was stolen.
Kellie Weiten went online and asked neighbours to keep an eye out for her son’s bike after it was stolen on June 25.
Her son, 15-year-old Nolan Bertie, was working at Johnny Burger when it was taken.
“He was not very happy… that’s his wheels,” Weiten said. “Not just to get to work but to go around town and to the beach.”
Upon learning Nolan’s story, local restaurant owners and others took up a collection to replace the bike. Johnny Burger, Belle Aire Beach Bar & Grill, and The Last Shot Bar & Grill are among those that contributed.
“It was just kind of amazing how people, a lot of them not knowing my son, chipped in for him,” Weiten said.
She said her son was overwhelmed by the gesture.
“He didn’t know what to say,” she said. “He couldn’t believe the generosity of people in this town.”
He thanked everyone he could, some several times, his mom said.
Weiten posted online again recently thanking people who contributed and saying how grateful Nolan was.
It took a while because the bike was on back order, but he finally got it.
She attached a picture of Nolan grinning with his new bike…and a bike lock.
Shane MacDonald, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Barrie Advance
