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Pictures offered to the Occasions Observer
A joint effort of the WCCBI and the Can’d Help Basis goals to supply 120 bicycles to Warren County first graders. The occasion will culminate with a motorcycle pageant like one pictured right here, highlighted by skilled riders and “’s” for the children with their new bikes.
It’s a joint effort of the Warren County Chamber of Enterprise and Business and the Can’d Help Basis.
Jim Decker, president/CEO of the WCCBI, stated that the origin of the trouble was a connection made with Eric Webber, a Sugar Grove bicycle owner who had tried to get such a program off the bottom beforehand.
The funds need to be raised regionally. From there, the Basis will make the bike purchases and oversee and administer the giveaway. The inspiration focuses on a number of key areas — delivery canned water to areas coping with disasters, musical instrument availability, recycling efforts and “Treads and Trails” which focuses on getting bikes to folks that want them.
Decker stated the preliminary problem was to determine how to make sure the bicycles are distributed equitably.
That’s the place a partnership with the Warren County Faculty District and Tidioute Neighborhood Constitution Faculty got here in.
Decker stated that every first-grade father or mother in a public college was polled concerning whether or not their household was in want of a bicycle for his or her youngsters.
The goal variety of bikes — 120 — would supply a bicycle and helmet for each first grader the place a necessity was recognized
The price per bike is $250 so the aim is $30,000 raised by April 1.
“We wish Warren County to do that greater and higher than anyone has,” Decker stated. “(We) have an outlined want of 120 bikes.”
It’s an formidable aim however Decker stated that $11,000 in funding had already been dedicated, kicked off by a $5,000 donation from the Highmark Basis.
There are two tracks that make up the fundraising piece. The $30,000 goal has been offered to the county’s companies.
“(We’re) centered on the enterprise aspect,” Decker stated “We despatched sponsorship alternatives to all of our member companies.”
He stated he thinks the “lion’s share” of the funding can be raised this manner.
“We’re doing very well as we transfer ahead to the April 1 aim of $30,000,” he stated.
That April 1 deadline is vital as a result of it units the stage for 2 occasions in Could that may get the bikes to the children.
The primary is a motorcycle constructing occasion set for Could 21 at Kinzua Seashore.
Decker stated there can be a “social gathering surroundings” for volunteers that assist construct the bikes. “After the construct, (we’ll) have the chance to go trip the path (and) have some meals.”
He stated anybody keen to construct bikes is welcome to take part.
That work then culminates on Could 22 when the WCSD will carry the 120 first graders to the again car parking zone of the Warren County Profession Heart for a motorcycle pageant the place the Basis will usher in pro-riders for an indication but additionally educate the children trip and care for his or her new bike.
“It’s going to be a enjoyable day,” Decker stated.
People trying to contribute are inspired to go to candaid.salsalabs.org/ericwebberbikebuild2023.
Decker stated that $1,600 has been raised so removed from people. The library has stated they are going to present a ebook to every of the 120 children and Decker stated these funds could possibly be used to assist offset that price and canopy prices for the occasions, as properly.
He stated there’s been curiosity within the musical instrument effort in a future yr the place these funds may be rolled over to.
“We’re actually enthusiastic about it,” he added. “It’s a fantastic initiative.”
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