“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” This oft-quoted adage is a corny way to start off any letter, but it’s also one that we believe in quite strongly here at P U B L I C, and is the reason we’re so proud to support an organization called Bike & Build.
There are so many worrying trends, major crises, and disasters floating to the top of each day’s headlines, and each one deserves our full attention. It’s easy to feel hopeless – that we cannot possibly make a difference. That’s what makes Bike & Build special in our eyes. To a member they are all fiercely dedicated to making a strong impact today in a simple and powerful way.
As soon as the weather turns pleasant enough to permit, troupes of Bike & Build volunteers hop on their cycles, and embark on a trek that takes them across the entire length of the United States. These epic travels have, across 6 seasons, covered 47 of our 50 states.
It’s not just a spirit of adventure that lures these intrepid cyclists, though, but also a spirit of giving. Bike & Build is committed to helping to combat America’s rampant housing problem. According to Habit for Humanity, over 5.1 million American families have “worst-case” housing needs (enduring overcrowded conditions or physically deficient housing). Thus rather than arriving at a camping site to rest their weary legs, Bike & Build volunteers spend their stops along the way supporting affordable housing causes with fund raising and man-power.
To date, Bike & Build has contributed well over $2 million to affordable housing groups, and helped to construct and maintain an innumerable number of structures sorely needed across the nation. This summer alone the organization is supporting 8 cross-country trips, which amounts to 250 volunteers, 10,000 building hours, and $550,000 in donations.
Plus, Bike & Build is just a fun group of people. Check out their YouTube channel! This season we’re supporting cycling super-hunk Joe Atwood, whose group’s path will wind its way from North Carolina all the way to San Diego, and we’ll be tracking their journey with rapt attention via their interactive website.
Do we at P U B L I C harbor any secret desires to hop on our 10-speeds and spend two months cultivating a bumper-crop of embarrassing blisters? No. But we couldn’t be more thrilled that there are those among us who remain undaunted by such a prospect. That’s why we’re so happy to support Bike & Bike, and humbly suggest that you do as well.
Thanks,
- Topher Burns
Tags: Charity, PUBLIC, Public Relations
