Biking Buddies program provides free rentals to Bigs and Littles nationwide.
Wheel Fun Rentals, a recreational rental company, announced it is renewing a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters for a program called “Biking Buddies.” For the tenth consecutive year, the Biking Buddies program will provide free rentals to underprivileged children and their mentors around the nation. To date, 1.25 million dollars worth of free rentals have been donated to Bigs and Littles.
Wheel Fun Rentals launched the “Biking Buddies” program in 2006, offering free rentals to Bigs and Littles any time matches are together. Each year, more than 30,000 individuals directly benefit from Biking Buddies – 15,000 underprivileged youth and their mentors have the opportunity to rent products that range from a fleet of unique bikes, including multi-passenger Surrey cycles, tandem bikes, beach cruisers, several styles of low-to-the-ground recumbent cycles, and more. (Watercraft also available in select markets). The program is valid at more than 50 locations nationwide and supports over twenty Big Brother Big Sister chapters.
“At Wheel Fun Rentals we like to see children moving, biking, paddling, laughing, and enjoying the great outdoors,” said Sheena Walenta, marketing director at Wheel Fun Rentals. “We chose to partner with BBBS because they target children who would benefit the most from mentorship and wholesome quality activities. Physical activity builds confidence and resiliency, releases endorphins, is good for the body, nurtures the soul, and is above all – FUN! We believe every child deserves a bright future, and that starts with wholesome extracurricular activities and good role models.”
“This is a great gesture that will bring lots of fun to our Littles,” said Lonna Radford, member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board. “It’s these types of activities that mean so much to them and may be something they wouldn’t get to try, otherwise. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that we do without the powerful, positive, and lasting impact that our volunteers and community partners, like Wheel Fun Rentals, make.”
“I’d like to thank Wheel Fun Rentals for extending this very generous donation to BBBS,” said Mike, a Big Volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego Chapter. Much of today’s youth spend their time inside, off their feet, completely reliant on electronics for entertainment; so it’s great to have a fun outdoor activity readily available. My ‘little’, Joey, and I always have a blast on the rental bikes. I know the time spent on the rental products makes a big impact in his life. He’s told me that we’ve created memories he’ll never forget.”
Throughout the country, Wheel Fun Rentals supports tens of thousands of individuals involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters. By being part of the program, these children see “Little Moments turn into Big Magic.” If you’d like to become a volunteer or support BBBS programs, please call your local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, or find your local chapter online at https://aim.bbbs.org/einquiry/einquiryzip.aspx?t=2. To find out more about the Biking Buddies program visit http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Content/BBBS.aspx
Founded in 1987, Wheel Fun Rentals started with four wheel Surrey cycles, evolved into specialty bike rentals and bike tours, and now offers recreational rentals of all kinds from more than 100 outlets in 16 states. Specializing in unique bikes and tours, Wheel Fun Rentals has been offering clean, healthy family fun and affordable outdoor entertainment to more than 2 million customers annually from city and state parks, resorts, and retail outlets through corporate locations and franchised territories. For more information about Wheel Fun Rentals please visit www.wheelfunrentals.com or call 805-650-7770.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America – The oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the United States. The leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, they develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters mentors children, ages 6 through 18, in communities across the country. For more information, please visit www.bbbs.org.
