Cargill Helps Kids 'Lose the Training Wheels'
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 19, 2007
Contact: Greg Standifer 316-352-5147
WICHITA, Kan. – Lose the Training Wheels, Inc., Independent Living Resource Center and Cargill Meat Solutions recently teamed up to help children living with disabilities learn something that many may take for granted: How to ride a bicycle.
Lose the Training Wheels is a nationwide traveling camp that teaches children how to ride a bike without the aid of training wheels. In six years of operation, the camp has successfully taught more than 3,000 children how to ride. The camp partnered with Independent Living Resource Center to host the camp in Wichita. Cargill donated more than $10,000 to bring the camp to Wichita.
Seventy Cargill volunteers became bicycle instructors for four days during the camp. They helped 41 children ranging in age from 7 to 21 learn how to ride a bike. Medical studies have proven that children with disabilities who learn to ride a bike experience improved mental and physical health, as well as the freedom and independence that comes from being able to ride a bike like their peers.
“This event was a great opportunity for kids to gain independence, get exercise and just have a good time,” said Norman Bessac, vice president of marketing and key account management with Cargill Meat Solutions. “We are always looking for ways to give back to our community, and this was a rewarding experience, both for the children who learned to ride and the Cargill volunteers who taught them.”
In addition to the more than 500 volunteer hours to teach the children, Cargill also donated an end-of-camp barbeque for all of the students, their families, and the volunteer instructors.
“Cargill’s volunteer contributions to the camp were appreciated greatly, as was the celebration cookout they hosted for the kids and their families,” said Sandy Evans, public relations and outreach coordinator, ILRC. “We thank Cargill for providing the community with such an unforgettable opportunity.”