A new structure is under construction at American Tobacco, one that will make the holidays brighter for some Durham children in need. American Tobacco is creating a Tree of Bikes.
The Habitat for Humanity of Durham brought the idea to ATC Vice President of Real Estate Michael Goodmon. They saw it on a video from New Zealand for the Child Fund:
ATC’s engineering staff sought out Bull City Fabrications to figure out, from the video, how to build the structure.
Our engineering staff has worked on stability of the structure and will build it on the Burt’s Bees Patio on November 19, so it’s in place for the bike installation on December 1. The structure will have the ability to be disassembled and stored to be used again next year.
NOTE: The Tree of Bikes Collection has been extended. Drop you bikes off at Habitat Restore in Durham through November 28th!
Habitat has taken the lead on the bike collection at the ReStore in Durham to provide a central location.
“Response to the project has been amazing!” said ATC Director of Marketing & Events Valerie Ward. “Not only are people donating bikes, but they are including helmets as well.”
On the distribution end, ATC partnered with Happy Roots. This organization was brought to their attention by Habitat of Durham because Stevon Green was nominated for the Spirit of Giving Award at Duke.
“It was a perfect fit supporting his bike distribution and collection efforts in the Durham community,” said Ward.
How To Help
Find out how you can contribute here: https://americantobaccocampus.com/news/235
New, fully assembled bikes for a 4 – 13 year-old child are being accepted from now through November 28, 2015.
The Tree of Bikes will be lit on Friday, December 4th as part of the annual American Tobacco Tower Lighting. The bikes will then be on display through December 17th.
Thanks to ATC’s Valerie Ward for this capcom scoop.
