Building Joy, One Bike at a Time: MAPEI Canada’s Second Edition of the Build to Give Initiative

July 31, 2025

Laval, Quebec -- At MAPEI Canada, we believe in building more than just exceptional products for the construction industry — we’re committed to creating opportunities, sparking passion, and strengthening the fabric of our communities. This philosophy comes to life through our Build‑to‑Give initiative: a program that brings together employees, partners, and local organizations to make a real, lasting difference for families in need.


A Vision in Motion

In partnership with Cycling Canada and its inspiring HopOn Program, we launched Build‑to‑Give in 2024 with a simple yet powerful goal: to help children and their families stay active, experience the joy of riding, and feel the sense of freedom that comes with cycling. What began as an idea quickly gained momentum, proving just how impactful a shared vision can be.


From 25 to 50 Bikes: Doubling the Impact

In its first year, Build‑to‑Give brought MAPEI employees together at our Canadian headquarters in Laval, Quebec, to build 25 bicycles for local families. The response from our team, our partners, and the families themselves was overwhelming. Fueled by that enthusiasm, in 2025 we doubled our efforts, assembling and giving away 50 bikes to children who might not otherwise have access to one.

“Build‑to‑Give is more than an initiative — it’s a reflection of our values at MAPEI. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they ride their new bikes for the first time reminds us why we do this. We’re proud to partner with Cycling Canada, HopOn, and the local organizations that help us reach the families who need it most. Together, we’re building more than bikes — we’re building memories and stronger communities.”

— Mick Kopis, Marketing Director, MAPEI Canada


Empowering Kids Through the HopOn Program

Central to the success of Build‑to‑Give is our partnership with Cycling Canada’s HopOn Program, a grassroots initiative that introduces kids to cycling in a safe, fun, and inclusive way. HopOn not only provides access to bikes and helmets but also teaches important skills and builds confidence. At our giveaway events, HopOn instructors hold safety and training sessions, making sure every child goes home with not only a new bike, but the know‑how to ride it safely and confidently.


Families Chosen Through Cycling BC & Local Partnerships

To ensure the bikes reached the families who needed them most, we worked with Cycling BC and its network of local nonprofits and social service organizations. These partnerships helped identify families who would truly benefit from this initiative — bringing the joy of cycling to those who may not have had the chance otherwise.


A Community Effort, with Thanks to Bici

We’re especially grateful to the staff at Bici bike shop, who graciously hosted this year’s giveaway at their store, located in Vancouver, BC. Their welcoming space became the perfect backdrop for families to pick up their bikes, meet the instructors, and feel supported by the broader cycling community.


Looking Ahead: Montréal 2026 and Beyond

Every bike we build represents more than wheels and gears — it’s a symbol of joy, freedom, and hope. With the 2026 UCI Road World Championships coming to Montréal, MAPEI Canada is proud to elevate Build‑to‑Give alongside this historic event. As a global sponsor of the UCI Championships, MAPEI will continue to champion cycling at every level, from world‑class athletes to the youngest riders discovering their first bike.

In 2026, we aim to grow Build‑to‑Give even further, celebrating cycling’s power to bring people together and inspire future generations. Because at MAPEI Canada, we’re building more than products. We’re building possibilities — and we’ll never stop pedaling.

 

About MAPEI
MAPEI Group, with 98 subsidiaries operating in 59 countries and 106 plants in 36 nations, is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of mortars, grouts, adhesives and complementary products for installing all types of flooring and wall coverings. The company specializes in developing chemical products for every aspect of construction, from waterproofing and structural strengthening to concrete repairs and tunnel building.

Headquartered in Deerfield Beach (Florida), MAPEI North America consists of the subsidiaries MAPEI Corporation (for the USA), MAPEI Inc. (for Canada) and MAPEI Caribe (for Puerto Rico and other Caribbean islands), whose 28 facilities collectively have a workforce of about 2,000 employees. MAPEI facilities are certified to be in conformance in the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 Standards for Management Systems. An environmentally conscious manufacturer that reinvests a percentage of its revenue into R&D, MAPEI offers training for architects, contractors, installers and distributors through the MAPEI Technical Institute.

 

About Cycling Canada
Founded in 1882, with headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, Cycling Canada is one of Canada’s oldest National Sport Organizations. Its one simple purpose: to inspire Canadians to cycle. The Canadian Cycling Association (branded as Cycling Canada) has received a Certificate of Continuance from Industry Canada and is in compliance with the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act. Website: www.cyclingcanada.ca

 

Related videos

Keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter to get Mapei news