UGI Energy Services employees in Wyomissing spent part of Thursday assembling brand-new bicycles and providing helmets for children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County, part of a nationwide volunteer initiative tied to the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic later this summer.
The bicycle build brought together employees from UGI Energy Services, a subsidiary of UGI Corporation, to provide local children with new bikes intended to encourage outdoor activity, independence and mobility. The Wyomissing event was one of nine held at UGI and AmeriGas locations across the country, where employees assembled a total of 73 bicycles for donation.
“The transformation underway at AmeriGas begins with our people,” said Michael Sharp, President of AmeriGas. “What happened today in Wyomissing, with employees showing up, rolling up their sleeves, and giving local kids something meaningful, reflects the company we are building. We are proud to connect our title sponsorship of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic to our communities, and we look forward to celebrating everything our workforce has helped make possible when the race comes to Philadelphia on August 30.”
The volunteer effort is part of AmeriGas’ sponsorship of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic, which returns Aug. 30 after being on hiatus for more than a decade due to a lack of support. AmeriGas, also a UGI Corporation subsidiary, is serving as the title sponsor of the revived event.
According to UGI, the bicycle-building initiative is designed to extend the impact of the race beyond Philadelphia by supporting children in communities where the company operates.
“A bicycle is one of the most powerful gifts you can give a young person,” said Eli Perez, Program Administrator at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Berks County. “It can open up their world in ways that are hard to put into words. What AmeriGas and UGI employees did today for our agency will make a real difference for the young people we serve. We are grateful for this partnership and proud to help get these bikes to local children.”
The bicycle builds are taking place throughout June and July at AmeriGas and UGI facilities across the country, including locations in Wyomissing, Reading, Denver and Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, as well as offices in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, California and Wilkes-Barre.
The Philadelphia Cycling Classic presented by AmeriGas will take place Aug. 30 on a 14.1-mile circuit beginning at Logan Square, following the Schuylkill River before climbing the historic Manayunk Wall, a 17% grade that has long been one of the race’s signature features. Organizers say the event will offer free entertainment for families and will be livestreamed on race day.
