This year’s Rotary theme is a perfect backdrop for a serendipitous conversation that has turned into a fun project for the Rotary Club of Buffalo
Sunrise. Recently, President Denis Lefebvre started chatting with member Dr. Craig Crookston, a fellow bike enthusiast, about extra bikes he had in his garage. Craig enlisted the assistance of his son, Andrew - pictured left.
The call went out to club members and Andrew contacted a neighborhood social media group. The result in two weeks is the gathering of 41 bikes, some barely used, 3 scooters, and a bike trailer with more coming in each day. Denis is an expert bike restore, although many of the bikes collected are in tip-top shape.
Andrew is working on service hours towards his congressional youth award. The first recipient of a newly repaired bicycle is Ngabo Gasore (pictured with President Denis on the right), thanks to member Rubens Mukunzi. Ngabo is a refugee from Congo, who now has transportation to his workplace. Other BSR members have pitched in to contact distribution sites such as a mosque in Buffalo, the International Institute of Buffalo, and Jericho Road Health Centers. The hope is to provide transportation for adults, along with helmets and bike locks and bikes for children for their exercise and entertainment – all with the goal of helping to create a healthier, happier community. Certainly, as the RI theme states “Rotary Opens Opportunities”.
