Ripping bikes around the concourse at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday evening, Hunter Henry was transported back to his childhood.
Long days racing with his friends made for fond memories as a kid, but the New England Patriots tight end now realizes the independence that came with owning his own bike – a luxury not everyone is afforded.
In partnering with Communities for People, he hoped to change that locally for at least 50 children in foster care.
“Look at the weather today,” Henry said at the event. “It’s getting beautiful outside, so to be able to get these kids a bike is something special. Something so simple about a bike that we take for granted sometimes is the ability to get outside and ride with your friends around the street.”
Henry got to do just that Wednesday, with Patriots teammates Drake Maye and Antonio Gibson showing up to support him and interact with the youth.
While the kids didn’t know it when they arrived, each went home with a brand-new Guardian bicycle, along with safety helmets, pumps, and bike locks. The donation was made possible thanks to UnitedHealthcare, who generously teamed up with Henry and his wife, Parker, in recognition of National Foster Care Month.
“In addition to riding bikes being healthy, it’s also about our first bikes giving us independence,” said Craig Gordon, president and CEO of Communities for People.
“It was the first time you could kind of get around on your own and go visit your friends. You could go to school, or to work, and it’s really a symbol of responsibility and freedom.”
发表回复