Blue Cross & Blue Shield Volunteers Install Community Garden, Bike Racks in Peace Dale

The following is a news release:

Welcome House of South County completed the “recycling” of over 35 bicycles, the installation of an artistic bike rack, and the construction of community gardens with the help of 35 volunteers from Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI).

Welcome House was selected as part of Blue across Rhode Island, BCBSRI’s signature volunteer event.

Welcome House also received a $5,000 grant from BCBSRI to purchase supplies and to offset expenses incurred for the volunteer project.

“The village of Peace Dale is experiencing a renaissance and we are proud to be part of the efforts to revitalize this historically significant and beautiful neighborhood” said Ken Burke, chair of the board at Welcome House. “With the help of Dan Dunn (local photographer and bike mechanic), South County YMCA, and the Blue Cross volunteers, we were able to deliver bicycles, helmets, and provide bike safety training to local youth and make a difference in the lives of the Rhode Islanders we serve.”

“In recognition of BCBSRI’s 75th anniversary, we decided to focus this year’s Blue across Rhode Island on our state’s future: our children,” said Peter Andruszkiewicz, President and Chief Executive Officer of BCBSRI. “I know I speak for all the company’s associates when I say we are honored to partner with these organizations that do so much for so many in our community. It gives us all great of joy to be able to work with them.”

With help of the BCBSRI volunteers, Welcome House was able to:

• Recycle over 35 bicycles for local youth (Dan Dunn and Benny’s)
• Provide bike safety training to over 50 youth (South County YMCA)
• Construct 4 community gardens (Arnold Lumber, Liberty Cedar, Watson
• Landscape site (RDS Landscaping, Southern 401 Tree Service, and
• Plant our new gardens (The Farmer’s Daughter)
• Install art-inspired bike rack (The Steel Yard)

The Welcome House of South County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides shelter, soup kitchen, case management, and transitional housing for the residents of South County since 1987.