- by Shawn Buddenhagen
Do you want to give the gift of cycling to a deserving child this holiday season? Do you remember the feeling of receiving a brand new bike, and the sense of excitement and freedom that wells up inside? Then, consider giving to Merry Spinmas.
What is Merry Spinmas? Southside Tri & Cycle (STC), formerly All About Bikes Racing, has a simple goal of providing twenty bikes and helmets to deserving children this holiday season. Shawn Buddenhagen explains the intent of Merry Spinmas: “We reformed our team earlier this year with a clear mission, to promote and support endurance sports and athletes in the area, and make a difference in our community. We feel Merry Spinmas fits in nicely with our mission, as we are trying to inspire the cyclists of tomorrow.”
STC has partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Chesapeake, to recognize deserving children in their programs, and distribute the bikes and helmets. The Boys and Girls Club serves many students from a low socioeconomic status by offering program activities in the following five areas: Character and Leadership, Education and Career Development, The Arts, Health and Life Skills, and Sports, Fitness & Recreation. The Boys and Girls Club programs provide a safe place in the community, where at-risk children can go and learn skills to help them excel in school, and in life.
To select the Merry Spinmas bike recipients, the students will fill out a brief questionnaire. The questionnaire will ask:
- What is the student’s “Dream Bike”?
- How would the student use a new bike?
- Height and weight measurements for sizing.
Along with input from the directors at the Boys and Girls Club, STC will select the twenty children to receive the Merry Spinmas bikes and helmets. The bikes and helmets will be presented to the children in an event in Mid- December.
In July, STC survived the hot tub, hair dryer, and suana, on the way to winning the Mid-Atlantic Triathlon Club Championship, in Richmond. The purse for the event was $1000, and the members of the team that participated, have donated the winnings to fund the first ten bikes. STC plans to raise the funds for the remaining ten bikes between now and early December. “We are really counting on support from the community, particularly the cycling community. As cyclists, we understand the myriad of benefits and sense of freedom from something as simple as a bike, and want to share that experience with these deserving children,” said Jimmy Parrott, STC’s Community Services Director.
By now you are asking, “How can I get involved and make this a fantastic holiday for a deserving child with a brand new bike?” It is easy, you can donate directly to Merry Spinmas through Paypal on the STC Blog. All money donated will go directly toward purchasing the bikes and helmets for those in need. If any individual, team, or shop would like donate a bike or helmet directly, please email STC. We will provide sizing info, and make pick up arrangements.
Thanks and, Merry Spinmas!!