\The Los Sentinel Newspaper’s rear parking lot area was the host of the Golden State Foods Foundation (GSFF) and Brotherhood Crusade’s Build a Bike Program on Saturday, July 8.
The event provided South Los Angeles at-risk youth with an opportunity to build approximately 40 bikes. The young people were able to take their newly built bikes home with them. The youth also received bicycle and pedestrian safety tips from the East Side Riders Bike Club on behalf of the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).
“We are excited to partner with the GSF Foundation and their Bike Build Program for youth in our community,” said Charisse Bremond Weaver, president and CEO of Brotherhood Crusade.
“It’s not just about getting a new bike; it’s about understanding how to build something, working with others toward a common goal and seeing the results of your hard work. Thank you, GSF Foundation, which like Brotherhood Crusade is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families.”
This year, GSF Foundation committees throughout the U.S. plan to collectively donate and participate in a total of 40 Build a Bike sessions at various volunteer-led community events held mainly during the spring and summer seasons. The GSFF core program teaches safety, goal setting, and the value of hard work to achieve those goals.
A bike helps a child develop his or her sense of self-reliance, adventure, strength, and character. Each child gets to build their very own new bike with an adult mentor and takes home the bike, along with a helmet and lock. Working with like-minded organizations strengthens the core message at the heart of the program – the importance of teaching children responsibility and healthy life choices.
“Our volunteers enjoy the opportunity to interact with the children while building their bikes and to support those most in need who are served by the Brotherhood Crusade in our local community,” said Andy Cox, GSFF City of Industry committee chair.
“The Bike Build initiative has a meaningful impact on our community’s youth and also holds a special place in the hearts of our GSF associates.”
