Welcome House received $5,000 grant and
volunteer hours as part of Blue across Rhode Island
Peace
Dale, RI – Welcome House of South County completed the
“recycling” of over 35 bicycles, the installation of an artistic bike rack, and
the construction of community gardens with the help of 35 volunteers from Blue
Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI).
Welcome House was selected as part of Blue across Rhode Island, BCBSRI’s signature volunteer event. Welcome House also received a $5,000 grant from BCBSRI to purchase supplies and to offset expenses incurred for the volunteer project.
Welcome House was selected as part of Blue across Rhode Island, BCBSRI’s signature volunteer event. Welcome House also received a $5,000 grant from BCBSRI to purchase supplies and to offset expenses incurred for the volunteer project.
“The village of Peace Dale is experiencing a
renaissance and we are proud to be part of the efforts to revitalize this historically
significant and beautiful neighborhood” said Ken Burke, chair of the board at
Welcome House. “With the help of Dan Dunn (local photographer and bike
mechanic), South County YMCA, and the Blue Cross volunteers, we were able to
deliver bicycles, helmets, and provide bike safety training to local youth and
make a difference in the lives of the Rhode Islanders we serve.”
“In
recognition of BCBSRI’s 75th anniversary, we decided to focus this year’s Blue
across Rhode Island on our state’s future: our children,” said Peter
Andruszkiewicz, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCBSRI. “I know I
speak for all the company's associates when I say we are honored to partner
with these organizations that do so much for so many in our community. It gives
us all great of joy to be able to work with them.”
With
help of the BCBSRI volunteers, Welcome House was able to:
• Recycle over 35 bicycles for local
youth (Dan Dunn and Benny’s)
• Provide bike safety training to over
50 youth (South County YMCA)
• Construct 4 community gardens (Arnold
Lumber, Liberty Cedar, Watson Mulch, Serve RI)
• Landscape site (RDS Landscaping,
Southern 401 Tree Service, and Liberty Rental)
• Plant our new gardens (The Farmer’s
Daughter)
• Install art-inspired bike rack (The
Steel Yard)
The
Welcome House of South County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides shelter,
soup kitchen, case management, and transitional housing for the residents of
South County since 1987.