10 Local Erie Kids Received Life-Changing, Custom-Made Equipment
November 21, 2024
Members of the Variety team, ECF employees, children, and their families following the parade.
ERIE, PA – A recent grant from The Erie Community Foundation empowered ten local children who received custom-made mobility equipment, providing them freedom from their disabilities. This past September, the Foundation’s Community Impact Team and Board of Trustees made a $25,000 grant to Variety, the Children’s Charity, thanks to donors who gave unrestricted dollars to the Foundation. ($20,000 from Helping Today grantmaking and $5,000 from the Hovis Fund.)
During a special presentation at the Foundation, each child received new equipment, which included six adaptive bikes and four adaptive strollers from Blackburn and Variety. Afterwards, families shared first-hand the impact of the equipment on their lives. The press conference grand finale was a “parade” of the kids riding their new mobility equipment.
“When the Foundation makes a grant that transforms the lives children and their families, we see firsthand philanthropy empowering those with physical needs, especially since this equipment is not covered by insurance,” said President & CEO Karen Bilowith. “This equipment inspires hope for Erie’s children and also engages our community in meaningful change, reminding us of the power of collective giving.”
Emily and her family after testing out her new bike-- she was all smiles!
12-year-old, Emily from E. Springfield, PA received her second new adaptive bike (after outgrowing her first one). Her mom, Laurie stated, “This will be Emily’s second bike! She loved riding her first bike because it gave her FREEDOM! With an adaptive bike, she can ride bikes with her friends and family. It is also great exercise for her, as she doesn’t do a lot physically with her lower body. An adaptive bike is life-changing for her.”
5-year-old, Harlo from Erie, PA received her new adaptive bike. Her dad, James shared, “Harlo is always wanting to do things by herself, but with her disability, she is very limited and needs help. Having an adaptive bike of her own will greatly improve her confidence and self-esteem, a way to show her she can do anything she wants herself! The bike also makes it easier for me because I will not need to help her as much – but I will always help her. My hopes are that this special bike can improve her mobility, strength, and confidence, knowing she can do it herself. We live five minutes from Presque Isle and would love to take her down there and be able to ride by herself. Having her own bike, she can be proud of and be proud of herself for doing it.”
“The grant was made possible from our unrestricted donations, that reflect the trust of our donors to make wise choices with grant dollars,” said Pat Herr, Vice President of Community Impact. “Donors are driven to give by their desire to make a positive impact, and unrestricted funds give us the opportunity to address great needs, making a real difference in the lives of these children.”
After Wednesday’s presentation to local children, Variety the Children’s Charity will have presented 629 adaptive bikes, adaptive strollers or communication devices worth more than $934,000 to local kids and youth in Erie County.
Variety the Children’s Charity accepts applications for three programs:
- Variety’s My Bike® Program, which provides Rifton adaptive bikes (with stationary stands and Rifton accessories) to eligible children with disabilities, so they can experience the joy, freedom, and belonging that comes from riding a bike.
- Variety’s My Stroller® Program, which provides Convaid EZ Rider adaptive strollers to eligible kids to use for “on-the-go” mobility or general safety / inclusion in the community.
- Variety’s My Voice® Program, which communication device (i.e., a restricted iPad with a prescribed communication app) to eligible children with a communication disorder to give them a voice and enable them to express their thoughts, feelings, wants, and needs 24/7.
Interested families can visit www.varietypittsburgh.org/appl... or contact the Variety office directly (724-933-0460 / info@varietypittsburgh.org). Families can apply for more than one piece of equipment if they are eligible, and their child can benefit.
Since 2012, Variety the Children’s Charity created an innovative program model that can be replicated throughout the nation to meet the needs of kids with disabilities. “What My Bike has demonstrated is that when the mobility needs of children with disabilities are prioritized it is possible to meet something so fundamental to childhood, as ensuring that all children can ride a bike and not be excluded – regardless of their disability,” said Tom Baker, CEO, Variety the Children’s Charity.
The Erie Community Foundation’s mission is to inspire, engage and empower donors and communities across the region, today and tomorrow. We envision a united, vibrant, and thriving region for all. www.ErieCommunityFoundation.or....
From left: Tom Baker (Executive Director of Variety the Children's Charity), Erin Fessler (ECF), Jacob and his parents, and Kailey Pisani (ECF)