FIPS CARES: Help Brooklyn Bike Patrol Get New T-Shirts

BBP founder JayRuiz. Image via Facebook

I knew when I heard the Batman ringback tone on the phone of Jay Ruiz that I was going to have a fun conversation.  Jay is The Man behind the Brooklyn Bike Patrol, a free service that escorts female Brooklynites home from train stations, 7 days a week, as well as offering escorts from homes, restaurants etc. Jay started the service in 2011 after a string of attacks on women in Park Slope and nearby neighborhoods. He has been at it since, despite a heart attack that slowed him down for, oh, I dunno, 2 minutes? He is a bundle of energy who eads an all-volunteer effort that has grown in size since its inception. When I spoke to him about the group and covering their uniform fundraiser, he had one message to send – “We appreciate all the love and support”.   That is it right there, a simple message from an idea that has grown from a simple act of kindness. So, the volunteers need some new shirts (St Francis Church donated the first round), and Jay is looking for local sponsors:

Brooklyn, once again BBP would love your help. We are in need of new t-shirts to help us continue to serve you. In the past we have put the names of the donor on our left sleeve and will continue with this tradition. Anyone who is interested please inbox us or send us an email: Brooklynbikepatrol@gmail.com. We ask you to send the check to Upper Deck 6302 5th Ave Brooklyn N.Y. 11230. 30 Long sleeve t-shirts for $270 30 short sleeves t-shirts for $180. Please remember your name or the name of your business will be on the left sleeves. Thank you much.

Spread the word, get them a sponsor, sponsor them yourself, sponsor as a group, whatever. It’s a great cause that serves the community well.