Rental business boosts Big Brothers/Sisters

Wheel Fun Rentals, the No. 1 recreational rental company in the U.S., has announced it will renew its partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters for a program called “Biking Buddies.” This program provides free rentals to underprivileged children and their mentors around the nation.

More than 5,000 “Biking Buddies” passes have been distributed to Big Brother Big Sisters (BBBS) chapters this year alone; a donation equating to approximately $125,000 in rentals for 2014.

Big Brothers Big Sisters serves disadvantaged children, many of which come from single-parent or low income homes, with a number of them having incarcerated parents, and some even coming from foster care. Children are matched with mentors to make a positive impact in their lives.

The “Biking Buddies” program is in place to ensure that the Big Brother and Big Sister volunteers always have something fun, fit, and free to do with the children they mentor.

“At Wheel Fun Rentals, we like to see children moving, biking, paddling, laughing, and enjoying the great outdoors,” said Sheena Walenta, Marketing Director at Wheel Fun Rentals. “We chose to partner with BBBS because they target children who would benefit the most from mentorship and wholesome quality activities.

“Physical activity builds confidence and resiliency, releases endorphins, is good for the body, nurtures the soul, and is above all – FUN! We believe every child deserves a bright future, and that starts with wholesome extracurricular activities and good role models.”

Wheel Fun Rentals launched the “Biking Buddies” program in 2006, which provides Bigs and Littles free rentals anytime they are together. Matches can rent products that range from a fleet of unique bikes, including multi-passenger Surrey cycles and a plethora of other specialty bikes, to a variety of water rentals: kayaks, canoes, and more., and is valid at more than 50 locations nationwide.

“This is a great gesture that will bring lots of fun to our Littles,” said Lonna Radford, member of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Board. “It’s these types of activities that mean so much to them and may be something they wouldn’t get to try, otherwise. We wouldn’t be able to accomplish all that we do without the powerful, positive, and lasting impact that our volunteers and community partners, like Wheel Fun Rentals, make.”

BBBS is a community-based program that matches children from the ages of six to 18 with adult volunteers to help make a positive impact in the children’s lives. Children enrolled with BBBS are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs, and more likely to get along with their families and peers.

“I’d like to thank Wheel Fun Rentals for extending this very generous donation to BBBS,” said Mike, a Big Volunteer at Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego Chapter. Much of today’s youth spend their time inside, off their feet, completely reliant on electronics for entertainment; so it’s great to have a fun outdoor activity readily available. My ‘little,’ Joey, and I always have a blast on the rental bikes. I know the time spent on the rental products makes a big impact in his life. He’s told me that we’ve created memories he’ll never forget.”

For eight years, Wheel Fun Rentals has offered free rental use to tens of thousands of Big Brother Big Sister matches across the nation. By being part of the program, these children see “Little Moments turn into Big Magic.” If you’d like to become a volunteer or support BBBS programs, please call your local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapter, or find your local chapter online at https://aim.bbbs.org/einquiry/einquiryzip.aspx?t=2.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is a “21 Cares for Kids” partner.

Wheel Fun Rentals has three locations in Central Oregon — in Bend’s Old Mill District, at the Black Butte Ranch Recreation Center and at Eagle Crest Resort west of Redmond.