The Bug and Birdie Foundation is a CRA registered charitable foundation based in Ottawa, Ontario. It provides free bicycles, helmets, and locks to at-risk and disadvantaged children aged 4 to 16 who have positively influenced their community or demonstrated exceptional courage. The foundation operates on a 100% zero overhead model, ensuring all donations go directly to the children it serves. View The Bug and Birdie Foundation's website for more information.
The Bug and Birdie Foundation is a discretionary charitable provider that awards tangible goods (bicycles with helmets and locks) to eligible children in the Ottawa area. Unlike traditional grant programs, this foundation focuses on recognizing and rewarding community involvement and courage among youth.
Applications are evaluated based on the candidate's positive influence on their community, acts of kindness, community service, 'paying it forward' behaviors, or demonstration of exceptional courage in difficult situations. Each year, awards are given after careful review of all applications to ensure the most deserving candidates receive bicycles.
The foundation is CRA registered and operates with complete transparency. It maintains a '100% zero overhead' policy, meaning 100% of donations go directly to the children. No paid employees exist; the foundation operates solely through volunteers from Iron Horse Security, which also covers any operational costs.
Founded by the team at Iron Horse Security, a national security provider based in Ottawa, the foundation was created to give back to the community through a 'Pay It Forward' approach that teaches disadvantaged children the value of hard work and community service.
The foundation serves at-risk, disadvantaged, and marginalized children between ages 4 and 16 in the Ottawa area. Benefits include improved health, cognitive and social skills, school performance, safety, and self-esteem. The program aims to teach an entire generation the value of community service.