Abbott Collecting Bikes 4 Kidz
Remember your first bike?
"I remember my first bike: a gold Sears stingray with a banana seat and a sissy bar. To me, that bike represented independence, mobility and access to a new world beyond my front yard. Every kid deserves this experience and the chance to lead a healthy life," said Kenneth H. Paulus, president and CEO of Allina Hospitals & Clinics.
Allina Hospitals & Clinics and Free Bikes 4 Kidz are teaming up to collect donated bikes for kids in need across the state.
The program distributed 1,200 bikes last year. This year's goal is to collect, repair and give bikes to 5,000 young people.
Volunteers at all Allina sites will collect donations. Volunteers will also restore the donated bikes, which will be distributed to kids on December 10, 2011.
Allina will also provide free helmets and concussion information to all who receive bikes.
Bike collection day
Related links
What: Drop off donated bicycles
When: Saturday, October 22, 2011, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Abbott Northwestern and Aspen Clinics plus more than 50 Allina hospital and clinic locations throughout the Twin Cities region. Locations, directions and volunteer information can be found at allina.com/communityhealth.
Free T-shirts will go to first 50 people to donate at each Allina site on October 22.
Download a map of participating Allina locations.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers are needed at all skill levels – from novices who can clean bicycles and fill tires – to mechanics who can repair bikes and do safety checks. For more information, visit allina.com/communityhealth or email Lovel Trahan.
"Biking can be a life-long pastime. Many of our employees are avid cyclists, and we want to help make it possible for every child to participate in this healthy, fun and environmentally-friendly activity," Paulus said.
About Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Now in its third year, Free Bikes 4 Kidz is a local, non-profit organization that helps children in need get free bicycles through donations. For more information, go tofb4k.com.
