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Anonymous donor offers new tricycle

The generosity of Christmas has come through after one of Santa’s elves came forward to help a man in need.
A02-Local-Don-Melvin-Mug
Don Melvin

The generosity of Christmas has come through after one of Santa’s elves came forward to help a man in need.

Don Melvin, 49, had his tricycle stolen at the end of November from outside his apartment along the 4800 block of 55th Street in downtown Red Deer.

Thieves cut the cable on his blue Parklane adult trike and made off with it on Nov. 29.

Melvin has cerebral palsy and uses the tricycle to exercise his legs and keep them from getting stiff.

After his plight was reported by the Advocate and other media this week, an anonymous donor came forward and offered to purchase a new tricycle for Melvin.

Melvin heard the good news on Thursday when Bentley Cycle owner Grant Patton called to tell him about the generous anonymous donor.

“I think it’s pretty good,” said Melvin. “I’ve got tears in my eyes right now.”

He said it was amazing that a woman came forward to help him without knowing who he was.

“All I can say is thank you very much because she won’t give her name,” Melvin said. “Thank you so much for helping me at such a busy time of the year with Christmas coming.”

Melvin said this time he plans to buy a really good lock and chain so someone can’t steal his new tricycle. He already has plans to enter another bike-athon this summer.

Grant Patton, owner of Bentley Cycle, said the new tricycle will be an exact replica of the one that was stolen. He expects it will arrive within the next few days.

“It’s a good Christmas story,” Patton said.

sobrien@www.reddeeradvocate.com