Dear FreeRiders,
I am excited to tell you about how and why FREERIDE was created.
As a teenager, I would ride my bike 5 miles each way to work at the Harbor Beach Marriott in Ft Lauderdale. Although rainy days and hot days were not always fun, my bike gave me the confidence and independence to commit to an awesome beach job which launched a career that I love. I still work in hospitality and my career has allowed me to travel the world, experience awe-inspiring cultures and be exposed to enormous kindness and hospitality.
My career has also allowed me to see first-hand how people sacrifice themselves for their loved ones despite many challenges, with a common one being transportation and / or mobility. Like my mom (and inspiration), people are resilient and often stronger than they think. When faced with real issues, they carry on, they help their families, help their communities and are an inspiration to the simplicity of being good.
Our mission is to promote freedom, joy and independence through mobility. I believe that mobility, in its infinite forms, can improve lives. Mobility allows us to get things done, to make connections and pursue opportunities. I also believe in the positive impact of enjoying our Earth (maybe burning a few calories) and of seeing new places.
FREERIDE a ‘lifestyle nonprofit’, meaning we hope to impact how people live their lives: how they move and how they connect with communities that value the importance of mobility.
Sincerely,
Anna
One of our core values is to make a positive impact and one way we do that is by Sponsoring Organizations, or as we call them: SoRiders.
See some of our SoRiders for 2024 below.
FREERIDE, a lifestyle non-profit dedicated to empowering individuals with the gift of mobility. We believe the gift of free transportation can open a world of opportunities that strengthen people and their ties with family, friends, and community.
"Suffered A Torn ACL"
After my roommate, Aaron, suffered a torn acl, it has already been really hard for him to get around. It is two years past his surgery, and he still has troubles relating to the bad knee.
I know there is a long walk from his car to his classes that he struggles with every day. If I am fortunate enough to win this prize, I will give it to him for Christmas. It would be a Christmas miracle.
Electric Scooter
"Best Summer Ever!"
He hasn’t had a new bike. I don’t think ever. It has always been used or second hand. Upon receiving the bike, he said this was the best summer ever!
Bike Recipient
"Checking On My Grandparents"
My grandparents, who don’t live with us, are getting old and I need to frequently go over to check on them. However, I don’t always have access to a car.
Winning this bike would give me a mode of transportation, especially if there’s an emergency.
Electric Bike Recipient
"Haven't Had a Bike In 10 Years"
How cool! I would love to ride my bike in the forest preserve where I grew up. The trails are so beautiful and I love feeling the wind in my face when riding a bike.
I haven’t had a bike in probably 10 years. I would love to give a bike to my husband too. I know he wants one but he hasn’t had one in who knows how many decades. He’s 53 and what a joy it would be to ride our bikes on the trail together.
Two Bike Recipients
"Ride Into The Sunset"
I recently retired and would love to return to my favorite exercise – bike riding. I would take my bike to Arizona and ride into the susnet.
Bike Recipient
"get Around Town"
I would use my new bike to get around town! We are a one car household so having reliable transportation and reducing the need for a car is important to me.
If I had more than one, I’d give them to my other friends in town so they can get around and ride bikes together!
3 Adult Bikes Recipient
"Cat Issues"
With $100 it would go towards the travels back and forth to the vet the next few months while my cat gets tests done to figure out his medical issues. And to get my partner to work and back while his car is in the shop.
$100 Gas Card Recipient
"Visit My Beautiful Daughter"
I would definitely use it to go visit my beautiful daughter. My daughter lives in another state and sometimes it can be hard to travel to her due to it being very slow this season. Hopefully I win because I would definitely use it to go see her.
Gas Card Recipient
"Financially Limited"
I’m heading into a major surgery on Tuesday 2/7 that will take me out of work for at least the next 3 months. The gas card would help me tremendously, as I will be financially limited until I am cleared to go back to work.
$100 Gas Card Recipient
"Single Mom With Three Kids"
The gas card will help so much! I am a single mom with three kids and two jobs. I am constantly driving! This will help me to get gas which I need to get so often. Thank you!
$100 Gas Card Recipient
"Money Is A Bit Tight"
With my husband being in the military and me being a stay at home mom for our two kids, money is a bit tight.
We are so thankful for FreeRide to be able to give our kids roller blades and a skateboard that we wouldn’t have been able to get them otherwise. Thank you for all that you do!
Kids Roller Blades And Skateboard Recipient
"Can't Afford A Car"
I love my city and my neighbors! I’ve lived in a low-income neighborhood for the past couple of years, and I have a really great relationship with my neighbord.
A couple of months ago, in the empty house right next door to me, a beautiful family of 6 moved in. We’ve become good friends through hearing about each other’s lives and what brought each of us to Nashville. My neighbor’s house is filled with a husband and wife, 3 kids, and a grandparent. They can’t afford a car, so I’ve been helping them get groceries and taking them around town when I can. I’d love nothing more than to bless them with an electric bike this Christmas. I know it would help them out so much to be able to ride down to the neighborhood grocery store and pick up the things that they need. Thank you @freerideorg for all that you do to give back to the community!
Electric Bike Recipient
We’re hosting a Special Christmas giveaway From December 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 and you’ll only have 24 hours to enter! Head over to our Instagram to follow us and turn on post notifications to be notified when the giveaway goes live!
