The holidays are all about giving, and for sixty deserving fourth through sixth graders at William Howard Taft and Benjamin Franklin Elementary Schools in Riverside, CA the gifting season came early and totally unexpected. For the past dozen years, Jenson USA, one of the nation’s largest retailers of bicycles, parts and accessories has made scores of Riverside elementary students surprised and joyful at the holidays as recipients of brand new bicycles.
On Tuesday, December 2, it was Taft Elementary School’s turn to receive thirty Giant GFR mountain bikes for distribution to students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and improvement. Three days later, thirty more Franklin Elementary School students enjoyed the same thrill of Giant bicycle ownership for their classroom excellence.
“A bicycle should be an integral part of every child’s experience,” remarked Michael Cachat, founder and CEO of Jenson USA. “It gives us great pleasure to partner with Giant Bicycles and the East Hills Business Council of Riverside to perpetuate this special holiday tradition. We’re very fortunate to have a great relationship with a generous vendor like Giant in order to make those dreams become a reality for these exceptional students.”
This year, the East Hills Holiday Bicycle Giveaway took on an even greater significance for Jenson USA employees. Back in early July, Jenson USA initiated a new program called “Kommute for Kids.” In order to expand its continuing effort to promote commuting to work by bicycle, Jenson USA employees were given the opportunity to become directly involved in the annual Holiday Bicycle Giveaway. Each time the Jenson USA aggregate work-force logged a minimum of three miles of commuting to work per employee, Team Jenson USA powered another ten bicycles for the cause. Individual Jenson USA employees also received individual recognition for their commuting efforts by recording enough miles to earn a personalized identification sticker that went on the bicycle that they helped donate.
Mark Helms, Giant Bicycle representative, commented, “Giant is often the ‘first bike’ of many dedicated riding enthusiasts and they stay with our brand for life. We recognize the value of contributing to a child’s first ride, helping them establish a life-long passion for cycling. Every child remembers their first-bike. We are pleased to join with our partners at Jenson USA to reward these wonderful students for a job well done and build a memory that lasts a life-time.”
