FORT MYERS, Fla. (May 30, 2024) – With support from Robbie’s Riders, Grampy’s Charities and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, seven adaptive bicycles, each worth $3,000 to $5,000, were presented to Southwest Florida children at the bank’s Bridge Branch, located at 9311 College Parkway, Fort Myers.
“We continue to be grateful for the generous support from Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. Their financial contributions and support have made it possible for us to provide these special adaptive bikes to some very special children. These bikes significantly enhance their mobility, independence and overall quality of life,” said Jack Johannemann, director of Robbie’s Riders. “Thank you to SanCap Bank for making this dream a reality and for your commitment to making a positive impact in our community.”
All the recipients are between the ages of three and nine years old and have medical issues such as spina bifida, developmental delays and cerebral palsy.
When riding these bicycles, the children benefit from general strengthening, new proprioceptive sensory input and improved reciprocal coordination of the legs. They can now participate in activities with their families and peers and enjoy the normal childhood experience of riding a bike.
“We are incredibly proud to support these kids and their families by helping provide these special adaptive bikes,” said Kyle DeCicco, president and CEO of Sanibel Captiva Community Bank. “These bikes offer freedom and joy to these children, and also promote inclusivity and independence. We are committed to making a positive impact and look forward to continuing our efforts to support and uplift our community.”
Robbie’s Riders provides special adaptive bicycles and tricycles to children with disabilities, according to their individual capacities and needs. The charity works to donate special needs cycles as quickly as they can raise funds to purchase them.
Grampy’s Charities raises funds and support for children’s organizations by partnering with comfort and research-based charities to make a difference in the lives of kids who need it most. An all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, they have donated more than $3 million to children’s charities over more than 25 years. For more information, visit grampyscharities.org.