Bill Campbell presented a restored bicycle to Ms. Sammy Nalton at the Rotary Club meeting at Gepetto’s Pizza in Burney on May 3. The presentation was part of 2 Wheels 2 Mobility, a project of the Burney-Fall River Bicycle Association that will provide refurbished bikes to local citizens in need of transportation in the area.
As well as being a past president of the Rotary Club of Burney-Fall River, Campbell is also president of the Burney-Fall River Bicycle Association. In the course of his activities, some people began to donate bicycles that they no longer had use for.
Bill got the idea of refurbishing the bikes and making them available to people in need. He discussed the idea with Cindy Dodds from Tri County Community Network. She liked the idea and referred him to Shaylene Herndon who works at the Community Center in Burney with First 5 Shasta and Bright Futures. Shaylene recommended Sammy as a worthy recipient for the first bicycle.
The Rotary Club of Burney-Fall River Foundation approved a $1000 grant to the Burney-Fall River Bicycle Association for the project. Bill then contacted Redding Sports Ltd with whom he has done business. They agreed to refurbish the bikes at a discount. The cost of repairing Sammy’s bicycle was $104. The result of this collaborative community effort was Thursday’s presentation.
Ms. Herndon introduced Sammy and her ten-month old daughter Aiyana at the Rotary meeting and announced that because Sammy has a little one she has also applied for and received a grant to purchase a trailer in which Aiyana will be able to enjoy a safe ride.
Mr. Campbell also presented Sammy with a nice bicycle helmet and lock that were paid for by a donation from Henry and Fran Patterson.
The Burney-Fall River Bicycle Association was formed to identify and promote bicycle routes and events to attract an infusion of new money into the region. They will continue to offer community service projects related to cycling.