MONSON, Mass. (WWLP) — More than $20,000 worth of bikes have been purchased for children by Monson Savings Bank during their 150 Build-a-Bike campaign.
The local community bank held its first event on April 30 in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Springfield, offering their own bikes to young guests who were able to view the fully assembled and ready-to-ride bikes on display.
The bikes were adjusted to the size of children, training wheels were added and helmets were provided for those who wanted to decorate their bikes and helmets. Monson Savings Bank provided a selection of stickers for the kids, allowing them to customize their bikes and helmets to their liking.
Dexter Johnson, executive director of the YMCA of Greater Springfield, partnered with Monson Savings Bank to identify kids who would need bikes ahead of the event. He was grateful for the Bank’s continued leadership in the community.
“It was a big event and these kids were so happy to get their own bike. For some it was their very first bike,” said President and CEO Dexter Johnson. “We are so grateful for Monson Savings Bank’s partnership with the YMCA of Greater Springfield and their commitment to serving and supporting our communities.”
Michael Rouette, YMCA of Greater Springfield board member, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Monson Savings Bank, said he was thrilled with the bank’s 150th Build-a-Bike event. As part of the Bank’s 150th anniversary celebrations, and as another way to deepen the Bank’s commitment to the children of the community, Michael Rouette spoke about the Bank’s 150th Build-a-Bike event.
“We were all very excited for our first Build-a-Bike event at the YMCA. The day was perfect. The bank employees had a great time interacting and building bikes for the kids,” said Michael Rouette, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Monson Savings Bank. “It was such an enriching experience all around, especially seeing the joy on the faces of the children as they rode their bikes, played games and had fun.”
Monson Savings Bank will host 150 Build-a-Bike events throughout the summer, in partnership with YWCA of Western Massachusetts, I Found Light Against All Odds and Springfield Housing Authority, South End Community Center and Educare Springfield.
