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The Rotary Club of Chula Vista respectfully requests matching funds of $3,000 for the district grant in support of the Rotary Club of Chula Vista Bike Drive.
1) Rotary Club of Chula Vista Bike Drive
Each year over the holidays, the Chula Vista Rotary Foundation has a unique and life-changing program where bicycles and helmets are distributed to children of all ages, whose families are unable to afford presents. The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Bike Drive was started in 1978 by two Chula Vista Rotarians. The Club had no designated funding, so dedicated Rotarians asked members for individual donations. The first year, the Chula Vista Club donated 25 bikes to children in need. Thanks to the $3,000 District Matching Grant in 2014, the Chula Vista Rotary Foundation was able to purchase 240 bikes and helmets.
Chula Vista Rotary Club volunteers donated their time to this worthy endeavor and members of Chula Vista Kiwanis, Boy Scouts and friends and families helped assemble the bikes. Something as simple as a bicycle makes for a very special holiday. Without this program, these children would not have the childhood memory so many of us treasure.
The 36th annual Bike Drive assembled 240 bikes for needy children. Each year there is a need and we hope to continue providing bikes for the community we serve. This year, for the 37th annual Bike Drive, we would like to provide at least 250 bikes and helmets for underprivileged children living in San Diego's South Bay. We will distribute the bikes and helmets in conjunction with the South Bay Salvation Army in Chula Vista, the Chula Vista Kiwanis Christmas with Santa program, South Bay Community Services, Ronald McDonald House San Diego, South Bay YMCA and South Bay Boys and Girls Club.
The Rotary Club of Chula Vista Bike Drive impacts over 50 Chula Vista Rotarians and volunteers at partner organizations, more than 300 local children and over 1,000 immediate and extended family members.
Project Timeline: Winter 2015
Number of Rotarians Involved: 15-30 from Chula Vista Rotary Club (for bike assembly and distribution), plus support from other community organizations.
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