Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
 

In the late ‘60s, The Beatles produced an album entitled “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” The second cut on the album was the song “With a Little Help from My Friends.” About six weeks ago, I wrote an LOA and presented the good works of the St. Vincent De Paul Society on Ninth and Madison here in Milwaukee. I also described the unique work of its members who were repairing bikes to provide much needed transportation for the poor.

Most of us view bikes as a means of exercise or recreation, but there are many within our society who need bikes as a means of transportation for work or travel. Well, with a little help from you, my friends, an abundance of generosity was displayed on two Saturdays in May. We collected more than 180 bikes. Approximately 40 of the bikes were ready to go with just a little bit of tender care and a shot of oil here or there. People also donated bicycle parts such as rims, pedals, chains and tires, and a number of helmets to keep riders safe. Among the bikes were a number of “kids” bikes, which will make this summer a happy experience for neighborhood children. In addition, we received monetary donations in excess of $2,000, which will help in realizing some of the extraneous needs of some safety equipment or tools.

I presented a simple idea of those helping others to help themselves in that LOA and with a little help from my friends, we were able to support a good cause. Members of Catholic Charities, the Catholic Herald Newspaper, St. Francis de Sales seminarians and Cousin Center staff all contributed their time.

At first, I thought that we would be lucky if we would receive 25 bikes. I expressed this idea to my friend, Roy Reiman, (Our Wisconsin Magazine) who I was interviewing on my radio show for Relevant Radio. He told me, you’ll get more that 25 bikes. No, I don’t think so, I replied. Of course, that followed with “wanna bet?” where we wagered the staggering amount of $3. I had to pay him the $3 before he even left the studio because Nisa Dalmas, our producer, informed me that one person alone already called donating 20 bikes even before the collection began.

I wanted to give you a report of the bike initiative and the good that was accomplished with a little help from my friends who just happen to LOVE ONE ANOTHER. 

Note: This blog originally appeared as the June 24, 2014 "Love One Another" email sent to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki. If you are interested in signing up for these email messages, please click here.