American Crane and Equipment Corporation Rides into 2016
(PRWEB) February 15, 2016 -- So often we begin preparing for the holidays many months in advance; yet the closer we get to the “big day” the quicker time passes and in a flash all the parties and festivities are over. But this year on Christmas Eve, employees at American Crane & Equipment Corporation created gifts (and memories) that will ride on well past Christmas, into the New Year and beyond.
Thanks to the help of an organization called “Bikes for Goodness Sake”, contributions from vendors and two bicycle gurus, American Crane employees built and donated 19 bikes to the Reading YMCA. Child, intermediate and adult-size bikes were assembled by 16 teams of workers using special tools to assist and guide bike components into place. Fun accessories such as spoke beads and bike bells were also attached to the bikes to add a little holiday sparkle!
This team-centered activity took place during American Crane’s annual employee holiday luncheon and training day, December 24th. “Each year we provide employees with a meal, training, and a lighthearted problem-based activity designed to promote 'team spirit'. Watching employees interact within a team setting is quite amazing since each employee approaches problem solving differently," said Karen Norheim, Executive Vice President of American Crane & Equipment Corporation. “When employees embrace and effectively use these differences to create something that surprises and brightens the day of folks dealing with daily adversities, that’s teamwork at its best!”
After assembly, the bikes were put through a quality assurance test by local bike mechanics to test for safety and were later delivered to the Transitional Housing Programs at the Reading YMCA. The Reading YMCA Transitional Housing Programs were created in 1998 to help homeless men and women achieve self-sufficiency. The 11 transitional housing programs accommodate approximately 12 children, 30 women and 128 men; many of whom are homeless, recovering from substance use disorder, or escaping domestic violence. These housing programs also aid homeless veterans and individuals transitioning between treatment centers/prisons and independent living.
“The overwhelming generosity shown to the Reading YMCA’s Housing Programs by American Crane and its vendors has once again given the men, women, and children that live in the programs remarkable and much appreciated gifts. Some of the children in the program were excited to receive their very first bike! For adult residents who face so many obstacles on their road to recovery, owning a bike will mean reaching goals more quickly. The donated bikes are much more than holiday gifts; they offer a way to work, doctors' appointments, and an opportunity to just have some fun riding a bike,” said Ryan Herrera, Assistant Director of the YMCA Housing Programs.
To learn more about American Crane & Equipment products and services visit http://www.AmericanCrane.com or call 1-877-877-6778.
Beth Lerario, American Crane & Equipment Corporation, http://www.americancrane.com, +1 877-877-6778 Ext: 271, [email protected]
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