April 3, 2020
GSF Foundation volunteers in Charlotte, North Carolina did not let the Coronavirus health pandemic stop them from carrying on with their annual Bike Building Program. In March, QCD Charlotte associates delivered 41 fully assembled bikes, along with helmets, locks, water bottles and Chick-fil-A gift cards, to their local Boys & Girls Club.
This marks the fifth consecutive year that QCD Charlotte has given back to its community through the Foundation’s Bike Building Program. Although volunteers missed their annual tradition of building bikes together with the kids, this year’s donation will still bring smiles for miles, as the children ride their new two-wheelers this spring.
“The kids started picking up the bikes we purchased and built in late March, just as we’re all looking forward to some nice spring weather and more outdoor activities,” said Pete VanSaun, Safety & Training Manager and GSF Foundation Assistant Chair for QCD Charlotte. “With everyone spending more time at home right now, it’s so important to give these children a chance to stay active and go out for bike rides.”
Foundation committees in Irvine, California and Orlando, Florida also plan on participating in the Bike Building program later this year. A core program of the GSF Foundation, this initiative provides second- and third-grade school children in need with their own, and often very first, bicycle they build themselves under the guidance of a caring mentor. This program teaches fundamental life skills, such as goal setting, safety, the value of hard work to achieve goals, and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through physical activity.