Video Transcript: Annual Bike Giveaway in CNY endures, keeping tradition alive
Genae Horst: The dream of putting bikes into the hands of children and families in need will live on this year. And what started as a small idea to help local families has turned into one of CNY’s biggest holiday traditions.
Horst: The annual CNY Family Bike Giveaway lost its founder, Jan Maloff, and Vice President, Will Desain, earlier this year. Tom Humenick, a volunteer for the giveaway, says its crucial that they continue the mission.
Tom Humenick: It’s very important for us to continue this. I think most of us here have seen the benefit of each year, the smiles on the kids’ faces when we give the bikes away, and we really wanted to keep that going, not only this year but as far into the future as we can.
Horst: Volunteers say this year is different–challenging at times and harder without the guiding presence of their former chairman and vice president. This year hasn’t been easy, but honoring Jans legacy means staying focused on what he cared about the most—making sure everyone leaves with a bike to call their own.
Horst: Humenick says seeing the kids’ faces when they get their new bicycles is unlike anything else.
Humenick: When they see that bike, their faces just light up, “Mommy, this is the bike I want.” It’s just a great thing to see.
Horst: Despite the emotional rollercoaster leading up to this year’s giveaway, the goal remains unchanged. With more than 1000 bikes repaired, and 600 still to go, this year’s effort carries a greater meaning. The final giveaway will take place on December 20th at Fowler High School. reporting for NCC News in Syracuse, I’m Genae Horst.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — The annual CNY Family Bike Giveaway, a holiday tradition for families and children in need, is moving forward this year despite the loss of its founder and vice president earlier this year.
Volunteers say the event, which provides free bicycles to children and families across the Central New York area, is especially meaningful this year, but has not been without its challenges. The organization lost its founder, Jan Maloff, and Vice President Will Desain in June, but remains committed to its mission.
What began as a small effort to help local families has grown into one of CNY’s most important holiday traditions. Organizers say the dream of putting bikes into the hands of children and families in need will continue despite the organization’s internal challenges.
“It’s very important for us to continue this,” said Tom Humenick, who returns for his 6th volunteer year. “Most of us have seen the smiles on the kids’ faces when we give the bikes away, and we want to keep that going, not only this year but as far into the future as we can.”
This year has been difficult without the guiding presence of Maloff and Desain. Honoring Maloff’s legacy means staying focused on the mission: making sure everyone leaves with a bike to call their own.
Humenick said seeing the children’s faces light up when they receive their new bicycles is unlike anything else.
“When they see that bike, their faces just light up. ‘Mommy, this is the bike I want!’ It’s just a great thing to see,” he said.
Despite the emotional rollercoaster leading up to this year’s event, the goal remains unchanged. More than 1,000 bikes have been repaired, with only 600 more to go. The final giveaway is scheduled for Dec. 20 at Fowler High School.
