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100 Bikes and Helmets Gifted to RI Youth through Community Collaboration!
Riding Toward Adventure: 100 Bikes and Helmets Gifted to RI Youth Through Community Collaboration!
In a heartwarming initiative to promote joy and independence among young people, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island (BBBSRI), in collaboration with The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation, The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Dash Bicycle, and iHeartMedia hosted an event that distributed 100 bikes and helmets to youth in Rhode Island. The event took place on Thursday, August 8th at the BBBSRI Headquarters in Providence. The event was a resounding success, bringing smiles and excitement to the children and families involved.
The Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation generously donated the bikes, while the helmets were provided by The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association with the assistance of Dash Bicycle, ensuring the safety of each young cyclist. “At Ocean State Job Lot, we believe in the power of community and the importance of providing opportunities for all children to thrive. We’re thrilled to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island to bring joy and adventure to these young individuals,” said David Sarlitto, Executive Director of the Ocean State Job Lot Charitable Foundation
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association played a crucial role in organizing and supporting the event, highlighting the importance of community partnerships. “We are glad to have the opportunity to present these children with the most important equipment they’ll receive today – their bike helmets,” said Colonel Bradford Connor, President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and Warwick Chief of Police. “Wearing a bike helmet reduces the chance of a serious head injury by 60% and we hope that these children will begin a lifelong habit of helmet use today as a result of this event.”
Rhonda Lapham, Market President-iHeartMedia Providence and Cape Cod, states, "We are so grateful to take part in incredible events like these. To see the smiles on so many faces as they proudly walked away with their new bikes and helmets illustrated the goodness within our community and how by working together we can make a difference."
Receiving a bike is a meaningful experience for the children and their families. One child shared, “Thank you for the bicycle. I wanted one for so long and I finally get one.” BBBSRI extends heartfelt thanks to everyone involved including Citizens Bank who assisted with bike distribution. “This event is a powerful example of how community collaboration can positively impact our youth. By providing these bikes and helmets, we are giving kids the freedom to explore and dream big. We are deeply grateful to our partners for making this possible."- Kaleigh Perkins, LCSW, COO, BBBSRI.
BBBSRI creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, enrolling a child in the program, or making a financial donation, please visit www.BigsRI.org, call (401) 921-2434, or email events@BigsRI.org.
