Photos by Ted Wiegand
Volunteers from Tusk Development and local kids pose with the bikes they just built at United Way’s annual Build-a-Bike event.

By Abby Mathieu

United Way of Southwestern PA hosted its fourth annual Build-A-Bike challenge on Thursday, June 15, at Heinz Field with over 150 local 8-10 year-olds.

The children in attendance were from the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region, South Hills Interfaith Movement, Best of the Batch, and YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh.

Volunteers from KPMG work with kids from South Hills Interfaith Movement to build their very own bikes at United Way’s annual Build-a-Bike event.

Fifty teams consisting of 200 volunteers, as well as local bike experts, helped the children construct their bikes. Upon completion, the bikes were inspected and tested by experts and given back to the kids. They then had the opportunity to test the bikes a various stations throughout the Great Hall at Heinz Field. Activities included riding their bikes through relay courses and cones, helmet decorating and fitting, and safety training with City of Pittsburgh police officers.

Build-a-Bike is a way for local leaders and volunteers to get involved in teaching children the importance of staying active and choosing a healthy lifestyle. The children were able to go home with a brand new bike they had a part in making, promoting healthy activities at home and being, for many, the first bike of their very own. Contributions made by participating teams will benefit fitUnited, a United Way initiative aimed at mobilizing the community to improve the health and well being of children.

About United Way of Southwestern PA – United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, serving Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette and Southern Armstrong counties, leads and mobilizes the caring power of individuals, the business community and organizations to help local people in need measurably improve their lives. United Way creates long-lasting change for the betterment of our community.