As we kick off 2011, we wanted to reflect on the most rewarding part of the holiday season - joining together as a local community to give back. On December 11, 2010, 20 SunPower employees and their family members, including CEO Tom Werner, joined 700 volunteers and Turning Wheels for Kids to build bikes for kids and families who couldn’t otherwise afford a bike. Turning Wheels for Kids is a partner of the SunPower Foundation. At the Bike Build 2010 event, the entire group of volunteers built 2,400 bikes in 4.5 hours. That was quite a feat but don’t forget that means we also had to pump 4,800 tires in five hours! Thanks to an awesome group effort, Turning Wheels for Kids distributed these bikes to families throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties in time for the holidays.
Once all the bikes were built, the crowd of volunteers watched on as Silicon Valley Executives, Turning Wheels for Kids staff members and BMX X Games gold medalists raced tricycles to raise funds for the organization. After addressing the volunteers, Tom even pedaled away against San Jose Sharkie and Carl Guardino, CEO of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, in the tricycle race! Check out the video below for a 360° recap.
Turning Wheels for Kids was founded in 2003 and is a 100% volunteer-based organization. They raise funds all year through a variety of community events, and bring volunteers together to build and distribute bikes. Bike Build 2010 was also significant for producing the organization’s 10,000th bike since its founding. Check out the Turning Wheels for Kids site to learn how to support this great program by donating your time or your money.
Follow Us: