What if rehab felt more like an adventure?
What if rehab felt less like a routine and more like an adventure?
At St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, a new Orion Orthos tandem bike is turning that “what if” into “what’s next.”
Thanks to a gift made to Covenant Foundation in memory of Elizabeth Hirch who found joy and freedom in her own bike rides, patients recovering in the post-acute rehabilitation program are now pedaling their way to stronger bodies, brighter moods, and fresh air therapy with every ride.
But this is no ordinary bike.
It’s a two-person powerhouse built for therapeutic support with side-by-side seats, safety harnesses, and adjustable pedals that ensure both stability and ease of use. Designed with mobility in mind, it empowers patients to move at their own pace, thereby helping rebuild leg strength, balance, attention, and endurance—all while soaking in the sunshine and scenery.
Each ride becomes a mini adventure filled with movement, laughter, and stories shared along the way.
And the patients? They feel it, too:
“It was awesome to get outside and exercise by pedaling the bike. Would love to be able to do this activity more.”
“You get nice fresh air and scenery you don’t always see, and that is really special.”
This magical machine will benefit over 150 patients and residents each year – that’s like loading three full buses with people, each one gifted a ride toward healing, independence, and joy.
And while the gears are helping patients move forward physically, it’s the joy of movement and connection that’s truly transforming the ride.
At Covenant Foundation, we are reimagining health care. We believe that healing does not always happen within the confines of four walls. Sometimes, it rolls in on two wheels, fresh air, and a spark of adventure.