The inaugural Birmingham Bike Brigade Sept. 20 provided a tour of Birmingham’s city center, inducing smiles, fellowship and, most likely, a few sore muscles.
And it’s all for a good cause.
It was a celebration of Regions’ relationship with Redemptive Cycles, a nonprofit small business with a mission to make the bank’s headquarters city more connected, comfortable and livable while also providing transportation options for the homeless and financially struggling. Redemptive also builds the iconic green bikes that are such a big part of Regions’ brand identity.
The 45-minute “trample” included avid and occasional cyclists – and 12 green bikes ridden by associates of the bank.
The event was held on the first day of Regions’ annual week-long celebration of associates, Evergreen.
Daily Evergreen events celebrate the company’s culture, recognize associates and highlight giving back to the community.
The Birmingham Bike Brigade event kicked off at the Regions Center and included the presentation of a $10,000 grant to Redemptive Cycles, which will help with the organization’s Earn-a-Bike program to support people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship.
“The grant is one way to answer the transportation needs of low-income Birmingham residents,” said Sarah Moss of the Community Relations team. “Our trample is just a great opportunity to support Redemptive and celebrate the work they do for the community.”
No one at Regions understands Redemptive Cycles’ mission better than head of Community Relations Brett Shaffer. When Redemptive Cycles was founded in 2012, Shaffer was the first banker they worked with.
“Redemptive is a partner in the truest sense of the word,” Shaffer said. “They are a customer of ours. They put together the bikes we give away to the community for charitable giving.
“The reason Regions is providing a grant to Redemptive is their inclusive approach to a problem, matching entrepreneurship and social responsibility through their 501(c)3 to find real solutions.”
In addition to the grant and ride, Regions is donating five green bikes built by Redemptive Cycles to the Birmingham YWCA. The new bikes will be used to help families with immediate transportation needs.
The Bike Brigade continues Sept. 21 in Houston, where Regions will donate four bikes each to MECA, RaiseUp Families and Young Women’s Preparatory Network.
