syntaxjunkie
11-15-2006, 10:25 AM
Bikes for Tots Makes Dreams Come True
QBP and Erik’s Bike Shop Team to Build Bikes for Toys for Tots
BLOOMINGTON, MN – Nov. 14, 2006 – QBP, a leading distributor of bicycle parts and accessories, and Erik’s Bike Shop, a leading bike and snowboard retailer, are hosting a charitable bike building party on behalf of Twin Cities Toys for Tots. The event will be held on Saturday, December 9 from 11 am to 2 pm at QBP headquarters in Bloomington. Teams of mechanics from both companies will assemble as many as 100 children’s bicycles and donate them to Toys for Tots. Each bike will include a helmet, manufacturer’s warranty and an owner’s manual. ABF Freight Systems is providing free shipping to the Toys for Tots distribution center.
As part of the festivities, a speed-building contest will spur competing teams to build the most bikes within a tight three-hour time frame. All of the high-quality Raleigh bicycles will be inspected and certified safe before delivery to Toys for Tots. Although professional mechanics will handle the actual bike assembly, employees from both organizations will serve on support teams.
“We are encouraging all employees to participate, even if they don’t know a brake pad from a bottom bracket,” said Jason Grantz, member of QBP’s Advocacy, Community and Environment (ACE) committee, a group that advocates for the bicycle industry and engages in community and environmental projects. “There are plenty of ways to contribute and help out with a great cause.”
“This event is part of Erik’s greater mission to support charitable organizations for children,” said Libby Hurley, marketing and events coordinator for Erik’s Bike Shop. “Last year we built 44 bikes for Toys for Tots. This year, with the bike build party, we hope to build twice as many bikes. It shows what businesses can do when they come together for a common purpose.”
Although only in its second year, the Bikes for Tots initiative is an incredibly successful program. The companies plan to continue their partnership and work to expand the program to other communities.
“Our program has an impact and we’d like it to become a model for other cities and companies across the nation.” said Grantz. “Getting your first bike is a life-changing event. It’s about freedom and independence. It’s about growing up. That’s why a bike should be a part of every child’s life. This is an opportunity for the entire cycling community to make dreams come true.”
About QBP
Based in Bloomington, MN, QBP is a leading distributor to the cycling industry. QBP offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services including a 1,500-page catalog, a robust online ordering system, a renowned custom wheel service, a specialty bike-building program and more. QBP continues to be an active cycling advocate for the industry. For more information, please contact Jo Wright, director of marketing at 952-941-9391, or visit: www.QBP.com.
About Erik’s Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer with 13 locations and growing: Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Dinkytown, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Oakdale, St. Louis Park, Rochester, Roseville, Vadnais Heights and two stores in Madison, WI. For more information on Erik’s Bike Shop’s products and events go to www.eriksbikeshop.com.
About Twin Cities Toys for Tots
Twin Cities Toys for Tots is a local chapter of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Its mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Learn more about the program by visiting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at www.toysfortots.org.
QBP and Erik’s Bike Shop Team to Build Bikes for Toys for Tots
BLOOMINGTON, MN – Nov. 14, 2006 – QBP, a leading distributor of bicycle parts and accessories, and Erik’s Bike Shop, a leading bike and snowboard retailer, are hosting a charitable bike building party on behalf of Twin Cities Toys for Tots. The event will be held on Saturday, December 9 from 11 am to 2 pm at QBP headquarters in Bloomington. Teams of mechanics from both companies will assemble as many as 100 children’s bicycles and donate them to Toys for Tots. Each bike will include a helmet, manufacturer’s warranty and an owner’s manual. ABF Freight Systems is providing free shipping to the Toys for Tots distribution center.
As part of the festivities, a speed-building contest will spur competing teams to build the most bikes within a tight three-hour time frame. All of the high-quality Raleigh bicycles will be inspected and certified safe before delivery to Toys for Tots. Although professional mechanics will handle the actual bike assembly, employees from both organizations will serve on support teams.
“We are encouraging all employees to participate, even if they don’t know a brake pad from a bottom bracket,” said Jason Grantz, member of QBP’s Advocacy, Community and Environment (ACE) committee, a group that advocates for the bicycle industry and engages in community and environmental projects. “There are plenty of ways to contribute and help out with a great cause.”
“This event is part of Erik’s greater mission to support charitable organizations for children,” said Libby Hurley, marketing and events coordinator for Erik’s Bike Shop. “Last year we built 44 bikes for Toys for Tots. This year, with the bike build party, we hope to build twice as many bikes. It shows what businesses can do when they come together for a common purpose.”
Although only in its second year, the Bikes for Tots initiative is an incredibly successful program. The companies plan to continue their partnership and work to expand the program to other communities.
“Our program has an impact and we’d like it to become a model for other cities and companies across the nation.” said Grantz. “Getting your first bike is a life-changing event. It’s about freedom and independence. It’s about growing up. That’s why a bike should be a part of every child’s life. This is an opportunity for the entire cycling community to make dreams come true.”
About QBP
Based in Bloomington, MN, QBP is a leading distributor to the cycling industry. QBP offers domestic and international retailers a wide array of products and services including a 1,500-page catalog, a robust online ordering system, a renowned custom wheel service, a specialty bike-building program and more. QBP continues to be an active cycling advocate for the industry. For more information, please contact Jo Wright, director of marketing at 952-941-9391, or visit: www.QBP.com.
About Erik’s Bike Shop
Erik’s Bike Shop is a leading bike and snowboard retailer with 13 locations and growing: Bloomington, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Dinkytown, Eden Prairie, Maple Grove, Oakdale, St. Louis Park, Rochester, Roseville, Vadnais Heights and two stores in Madison, WI. For more information on Erik’s Bike Shop’s products and events go to www.eriksbikeshop.com.
About Twin Cities Toys for Tots
Twin Cities Toys for Tots is a local chapter of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Its mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. Learn more about the program by visiting the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at www.toysfortots.org.