PROVIDENCE, RI – May 23, 2024: All Kids Bike, the national nonprofit teaching kindergarten students how to ride bikes in PE class, is activating their All Kids Bike Kindergarten PE Learn-to-Ride Program at Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, thanks to a generous donation from the HDR Foundation.
The comprehensive program includes teacher training and certification, a fleet of 24 balance-to-pedal conversion bikes, pedal conversion kits, helmets, an instructional bike for teachers, two rolling storage racks, and access to a resource portal with live support for the duration of the program. Vartan Gregorian Elementary School celebrated the introduction of the program with a kickoff event alongside HDR.
In a demonstration of commitment to education, healthy communities and environmental stewardship, HDR has contributed $360,000 to All Kids Bike for the 2023-24 school year. This substantial donation will support 40 schools across the United States, specifically in areas where HDR employees live and work. The cumulative support from HDR to All Kids Bike now exceeds $500,000 over the past two school years.
“As a 100% employee-owned company, HDR is dedicated to this cause – it’s close to home and to our hearts,” said Heather Ivester, HDR’s area manager for New England. “With this grant, we’ll assemble bikes and racks, deliver them to schools and join in the announcement. Seeing the joy on those faces when they see this gift to their school is priceless.”
Lisa Weyer, executive director of the Strider Education Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership with HDR, emphasizing the transformative impact of early bike riding education. “The ability to ride a bike not only develops physical and mental well-being, instilling confidence and fostering better classroom focus, but it also empowers children with a positive foundation for a lifelong skill. We are so appreciative of this partnership with HDR.”
At Vartan Gregorian Elementary School, this program will positively impact approximately 55 kindergarten students each year. With a lifespan of 7-10 years for the equipment, it is estimated that up to 550 students will benefit from this initiative over the next decade.
“We are incredibly grateful to HDR for providing this wonderful opportunity to our young learners. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also teaches our children valuable skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. We are looking forward to seeing the excitement on our students’ faces as they ride their new bikes. Thank you, HDR and All Kids Bike, for your generosity and commitment to fostering healthy habits from an early age.”
HDR and All Kids Bike are committed to enriching the lives of young learners and cultivating valuable skills through the joy of bike riding. This collaborative effort exemplifies their dedication to building healthier, happier communities, one pedal at a time.
