NORWALK, Conn. (September 8, 2017)—This Sunday, the thousands of people set to attend the 17th Annual CT United Ride—the state’s largest 9/11 tribute—will have an opportunity to give back to the children and families affected by Hurricane Harvey. Fairfield-based Save the Children, which has teams on the ground in Texas and Louisiana working to meet children and families’ immediate needs, will be accepting donations for its Hurricane Harvey Children’s Relief Fund at the beginning of the ride in Norwalk.
The collaboration between Save the Children and CT United Ride was made possible by Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), who connected the organization with Frederick Garrity Jr., CT United Ride Executive Director.
“We have all seen the images and reports of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Harvey,” said Senator Duff. “I want to commend Fred, CT United Ride and Save the Children for partnering to raise critical funds to help children and families impacted by this disaster.”
Participants and spectators can make a donation by visiting the Save the Children booth located at the start of the ride at Norden Industrial Park, 10 Norden Place, Norwalk starting at 8:30 a.m.
Save the Children has established Child-Friendly Spaces in evacuation shelters in areas disrupted by the storm. Save the Children’s Child-Friendly Spaces are safe, designated areas where children can play, socialize and begin to recover after a disaster. They are run by trained staff members and give parents a supportive place to leave their children while attending to their family’s immediate and longer-term needs.
“We are incredibly thankful to Senator Duff and Fred Garrity for making us a part of this year’s CT United Ride,” said Courtney Nields, Manager, Community Engagement and Fundraising for Save the Children. “Donations from Sunday’s event, which is sure to bring out thousands of riders and spectators, will go a long way in helping our response teams protect vulnerable children and provide family-friendly supplies and services to Hurricane Harvey survivors.”
Save the Children is also providing shelters with portable cribs, strollers and infant and toddler hygiene supplies such as plastic wash basins, baby shampoo and lotion.
“Each year, thousands of riders from across the northeast support the CT United Ride to honor our first responders and the memories of those lost on 9/11,” said Garrity. “We are proud to welcome Save the Children to be a part of this year’s event, as they raise money for victims of Hurricane Harvey.”
Garrity said participation could approach 5,000 riders, plus an additional 15,000 spectators lined up along the 10-town, 60-mile motorcade through Fairfield County. In addition, more than 100 firetrucks and 24 aerial trucks holding 50-foot American flags over the roadway will line the route in each town.
For more information on the ride, go to ctunitedride.com. To learn more about Save the Children’s emergency response to Hurricane Harvey, please visit www.savethechildren.org.
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