FOLLOW-UP (September 14, 2023)
Our thanks to everyone who helped!
Although we didn’t raise the full amount, we got lucky and found a source for used equipment of the kind we need. As a result, we are able to basically implement the parts system needed. This GoFundMe counts as a success!
I've left the ability to donate to the program active anyway. The program is always in need of money and is grateful for any measure of support.
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Bicycles are significant in children’s lives, so much so that most of us remember our first bike. Sadly, for want of money, children in foster care rarely get one. Everything in a foster child’s life typically fits in a large trash bag.
Our program, Recycle Your Bicycle For a Kid in Foster Care* (RYB) (www.recycleyourbicycleaz.com) was created 13 years ago to help fill that void for the 13,000+ children in Arizona foster care.
Used bicycles are solicited from the public, and a dedicated group of unpaid volunteers rebuilds and restores them to as-close-to-new condition as possible.
The work is done year-round, but principally in the autumn. In December the bikes are handed out to foster families and group homes to be gifted to the children for the holidays. RYB has given away over 12,000 bicycles.
Having bicycles of their own allows these children to be like all the other kids. And for many, a bicycle is a lot more than a plaything. It's a way to get to school or commute to a job; it's freedom. As a teen last season emotionally told us, "You changed my life."
RYB also conducts “bicycle rodeos" at which the kids bring their bikes to ride, learn bike safety and have their bikes inspected and repaired as needed.
RYB operates on donated funds which are used to buy parts and equipment. Lacking funds for a permanent home, RYB periodically sets up temporary workshops in free space it is able to beg and borrow from generous landlords.
Breaking down, moving, storing and resetting the workshop is onerous work. To facilitate that process, RYB needs $6,000 to buy heavy-duty storage bins and boltless metal shelving for all of the parts and equipment.
Please help us bring happiness to a lot of children’s lives.
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