By Loretta Kryshak, Executive Director, Rebel Reform
What a morning. On Friday, April 24th, the lakefront in Milwaukee buzzed with the kind of energy that reminds you why community matters. Rebel Converting was proud to hold the 16th Annual Bike Collection Drive and are thrilled to report that it was an incredible success.
Generosity on Full Display
Once again, the Milwaukee community showed up in a big way. Donors lined up from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM to drop off gently used bikes, and the response was overwhelming. Lake Express Ferry generously offered round-trip tickets aboard their high-speed ferry to Muskegon (a $195 value) to the first 500 donors a remarkable six-figure contribution that continues to inspire participation year after year.
The donated bikes will be collected, stored and refurbished through by Rebel Converting, to go directly into the hands of local youth and families who need them most. For many of these children, a bike isn’t just a toy it’s freedom, independence, and a connection to their community.
Why Rebel Converting Shows Up
At Rebel Converting, we believe that business should be a force for good not just on the production floor, but in the neighborhoods around us. Through Rebel Reform, our community outreach arm, we have spent years supporting southeastern Wisconsin nonprofits. From distributing millions of face masks during the pandemic to helping put bikes in the hands of kids who need them, our team shows up because giving back isn’t optional it’s a responsibility.
Events like this bike drive are a perfect reflection of that mission. When you donate a bike, you’re not simply dropping off a piece of equipment you’re joining a community of rebels who believe that every child deserves the chance to ride.
What’s Next: Southside Bike Day
The story doesn’t end here. Join us this June at Kosciuszko Park Bike Day, on Saturday June 14, 2026 between 11:00 until 2:00, and see firsthand how these bike donations transform lives across Milwaukee. It is one of our favorite events of the year, and we would love to see you there.
Thank you to every single person who donated a bike, volunteered their time, or simply cheered us on. And a special thank you to Lake Express Ferry for making this event possible year after year. Together, we are keeping Milwaukee moving.