Today we’d like to introduce you to Jay Zemke.
Hi Jay, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
In 2008 Free Bikes 4 Kidz (FB4K) was born as a one-time hobby in a two-car garage. A group of passionate cyclists collected, refurbished and gave away 250 bikes over a two-week period. Since then that hobby has grown to become the largest organization of its kind in the country.
Just this past year in 2022, Free Bikes for Kidz MN collected 5,600 bikes. Over the next 6 weeks, starting in November, FB4K MN brought in over 3,200 volunteers to clean, prep and make a mechanical sound.
During the 2nd week of December, Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN gave away 5,600 bikes to children and families most in need. To date, FB4K MN has collected and given away, for free, 90,000 bikes including a new helmet to children in Minnesota.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN is always looking for supporting partners to help collect and then work with us to clean, prep and make these bikes mechanically sound. It costs about $35 per bike to get them ready to be given away. This also includes a free helmet.
If you are part of an organization that has many locations across the Twin Cities, we would like to discuss collection day and what that entails. The great part about collection day is that It’s only 4-5 hours and we collect over 5,000 bikes within that time.
Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN is always looking for individuals and organizations to volunteer. Again we require over 3,000 volunteers in a 6-week period to get these bikes ready to be given away.
We’ve been impressed with Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN is a 501c3 nonprofit that services underprivileged children.
Starting in 2008 it has currently grown to over 17 cities across the United States. Minnesota is the founding state and is currently the largest collector with Guinness World Record.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
LinkedIn is still a solid way to find connections to support your growth.
Pricing:
- $35.00 is needed per bike collected
Contact Info:
- Website: FB4KMN.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fb4kmn/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FreeBikes4KidzMN
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/free-bikes-4-kidz-mn
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/freebikes4kidz
