Thanks to a joint project between Silicon Valley Bank and Playworks, 60 students from across the South Bay were able to receive brand spankin’ new bikes.
The shiny bikes were donated by Silicon Valley Bank and built by volunteers from around the world. An exchange group from Youth Global Leaders (YGL), a cohort of individuals that represent skilled and dedicated leaders from more than 50 countries, teamed up with Silicon Valley Bank to participate in the bike build as part of their service tour of Northern California.
Building the bikes was an amazing experience for all involved. The sun shone brightly and volunteers smiled and laughed as they assembled bikes, piece by piece. Everyone enjoyed the transformation of jumbled parts, random rods and countless nuts and bolts into beautiful, shiny new bikes. One YGL team member happily stated, “I haven’t had this much fun in years!”
The air was teeming with excitement when the children arrived. Whispers, exclamations and squeals of anticipation could be heard from every direction as children lined up to receive their bikes.
One by one, excited children were paired up with a new bike, lock, helmet and caring volunteer to show them the ropes. Upon receiving their new bike, each child gave a hand-made thank you card to the volunteer which contributed to this magical moment. Parents cried, children smiled, and volunteers experienced that fulfilling sense of accomplishment that arises when you dedicate your time and effort to helping those around you.
