In the summer 2017, Cycling Without Age was introduced to the Stevens Point community thanks to the work of community volunteers and the vision of Tori Jennings.
Cycling Without Age was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2012. Their mission was to provide older adults and adults with differing abilities free bicycle rides in a trishaw. A trishaw is a rickshaw/tricycle hybrid, pedaled by a volunteer pilot trained in safety, storytelling and listening.
Individuals with limited mobility often are unable to experience the natural beauty of our community. As an avid cyclist, Tori Jennings knew she needed to bring Cycling Without Age to Portage County to give older adults and adults with differing abilities the opportunity to experience the outdoors in a whole new way. To raise awareness and financial support for the program, Tori knew local partnerships would be critical.
The partnership with the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin provided a trusted source for donors to know their gifts would make a lasting impact. The support and direction Tori received through the partnership with the Foundation helped Cycling Without Age exceed their fundraising goals and launch their own nonprofit 501(c)3 organization.
“From the start, the Foundation believed in our mission and purpose. If we wouldn’t have had the Foundation’s support and guidance, I don’t think we would be as successful as we are today. A new partnership we are excited to announce is with the Stevens Point Area Public School District. Our pilots will now be able to give rides to students with special needs. We are so grateful for the support we have received from the Foundation, as well as the Aging & Disability Resource Center of Portage County, Copperleaf Senior Living, the Rotary of Greater Portage County, Portage County Can, McDonald Legacy Fund, Frame Presbyterian Church, and the entire community.”
~ Tori Jennings
To learn more about Cycling Without Age Portage County, visit www.portagecountycan.org/cycling-without-age