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.
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 2017 we had yet another successful year. At last year's annual bike drive we were able to provide over 300 bikes and helmets. We were also able to provide bigger bikes to older children, which is always a goal but is not always feasible based on funds available. Thank you for your part in helping us reach our goals!
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.
Each year there is a need and we hope to continue providing bikes for the community we serve. This year, for the 39th annual Bike Drive, we would like to provide at least 275 bikes and helmets for underprivileged children living in San Diego's South Bay - a truly binational region. 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, Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Barnhart Cancer Center 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 275 local children and over 1,000 immediate and extended family members.
Project Timeline: Winter 2018
Number of Rotarians Involved: 15-30 from Chula Vista Rotary Club (for bike assembly and distribution), plus support from other Rotary clubs and community organizations.
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