About TurningWheels for Kids

Several years ago in 2003, Susan Runsvold set out upon what has become quite an adventure. Her vision was to buy bikes at Christmas and give them to underprivileged children; children she believed might otherwise not receive any present from Santa. She began what she hoped would be a tradition of collecting money from her friends and colleagues to purchase as many bikes as possible for holiday distribution.

But the story doesn’t end there. In 2005, Susan asked an amazing group of individuals to help flesh out her dream. With a resounding yes from each person, TurningWheels For Kids (TWFK) was born. The unbelievable success of this group has resulted in well over 6,000 bikes to local children. And as with all good ideas, the mission grew. Today, TurningWheels For Kids now distributes bikes not only at the holiday but also year round through a number of partnerships.

TurningWheels For Kids now partners with Dr. Delgado’s Family Lifestyle Modification Center and Bay Area Women’s Sport’s Initiative (BAWSI), to encourage outdoor activity resulting in health and well-being for children. Recognizing the epidemic of childhood obesity as TVs, computers and texting become the sedentary past times of children we must hit a reset button and bring children back outdoors to the remembered fun of our childhoods. Riding bikes is a rite-of-passage for children and as the number one requested item by these children, brings kids back outdoors to active play ~ exactly what a child should be doing.

Every person on the Board of TWFK gives tirelessly and with great generosity, both time and money, to advance this program and not one person receives any salary. Raleigh America works with us, right at our side, to help us provide great, sturdy, safe bikes and helmets to children who would otherwise not have their own bike. Raleigh is an amazing and generous company. The community, both business and individuals, come out, year after year, to support our efforts and make dreams come true. Team San Jose has, for the fourth year, donated the South Hall for our Big Bike Build 2009. The list goes on and on ~ please see our partners page.

Help us help local children. Make a donation today or submit your email address to Sue@turningwheelsforkids.org so you can be kept abreast of volunteer needs and activities.

Why It Matters!

Who doesn't remember their first bike? What's the magic? Why the intense universal desire to have your own bike? Is it the world beyond your own front yard discovered or perhaps it's because you get to go really fast, all on your own, controlled by only you? A bike is a rite of passage for a child and beyond the fun, the smile and the wind in your hair, a bike provides many things:

• Teaches balance, strength and coordination.
• Encourages independence with responsibility.
• Provides a practical means of transportation.
• Benefits health at a time when juvenile Type II Diabetes and obesity are on the rise.
• Boosts self esteem through a sense of skill mastery.
• Increases socialization with others who share a love for the outdoors and provides opportunities for learning about nature.
• Stirs the imagination.
• Puts high risk children in contact with other children engaged in productive, healthy activities.

Additional Resources

• Executive Biographies
• Organization Contact Information
• Who We Serve