Facebook brings community together
A Cambridge resident whose bike was stolen last week has been overwhelmed by the community’s support.
On Thursday 26th of June at around 10pm Calem Strange, a well-known Cambridge resident, lost his “pride and joy”.
His “silver bullet” push-bike was stolen from outside Masonic Hotel on Duke Street.
“I haven’t been able to sleep for the last 4-5 days, it was my first bike I’ve ever had. I’ve had it for about 35 years,” Calem said.
“I found my helmet down on the pavement and I knew something was not right and [the bike] was long gone.”
After reporting his only form of transport missing, Calem turned to Facebook for help.
Calem’s plea was shared by 207 people as well as another 58 shares and 297 likes on the Cambridge Police Facebook page.
“Please Cambridge help me please get my push bike back please Cambridge,” Calem commented.
Calem says he “got the ball rolling on Facebook” as he is well-known in the community.
“Everyone knew me and everyone knew my bike.”
An account was then set up for the public to contribute money towards Calem’s new bike.
“From tomorrow you will be able to contribute to an account at Four Seasons STIHL Shop on Victoria Street. Let’s get this fella back on his bike Cambridge,” Cambridge police posted on their Facebook page on June 29.
The public raised over $320 for Calem. “I couldn’t have [got another bike] without the community,” he said.
Two 19-year-old Cambridge residents will appear at the Hamilton District Court this Friday in connection with the theft.
For now Calem will turn to good old fashioned walking until he buys his new bike.
As for the Cambridge police, their support has not stopped there as Calem hopes to hitch a ride to the court hearing this Friday
