Swampscott teen organizing fundraiser

SWAMPSCOTT – One Swampscott teen is running so others will have bikes to ride.Hannah Rosen, who is on the Swampscott High School Track Team, is coordinating a 5K walk/run Oct. 17 with proceeds going to the non-profit organization Bikes Not Bombs.Rosen, 17, explained the organization distributes bikes in low-income areas in Boston and developing countries around the world with innovative programs that include Earn-A-Bike.The Swampscott High School senior spent much of her summer volunteering at Bikes Not Bombs in Jamaica Plain.”When I first visited Bikes Not Bombs, I did not know what to expect,” Rosen said. “But after only an hour of being in the office and learning more about the organization, I knew it was the organization I was going to support. I chose it for its unique, invaluable cause. It’s a really amazing program.”Rosen explained the innovative program integrates environmental stewardship, skill building, community development, active urban living and youth leadership.”In Earn-A-Bike program the kids learn bicycle mechanics, earn bicycles and go on bike rides,” she said. “It was a lot of fun and teaches participants valuable skills.”Rosen added Bikes Not Bombs is also having a global impact. Since its inception in 1984, Bikes Not Bombs has shipped more than 40,000 bicycles to developing nations, including Nicaragua, Haiti, South Africa, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.Rosen said when she decided to raise money for the group, a walk/run was a natural fit.”I really enjoy running,” she said. “So I thought it would be good to use running to make an impact and to benefit this program. I love to help other people and the satisfaction of making a positive impact on one person or an entire community is invaluable to me. “Rosen is working with the Swampscott High School Interact Club, which is the Swampscott Rotary Club youth service club, on the project. She said her goal is to raise $2,000 and have a minimum of 350 participants.Swampscott High School Interact advisor Anita Balliro said she loves the concept.”Here at the high school we are working on 21st Century global education,” Balliro said. “This is a real hands-on project that has global impact. It’s very pro-active.”Rosen said the walk/run would be held Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and it would leave from Swampscott High School. The event has a rolling start and registration begins at 9 a.m. Rosen said the walk is open to area residents of all ages. Cost to participate is $10.”Organizing the walk is a long, hard and joyous process,” Rosen said. “I am sure this will be a successful and fun community event.”When she’s not running or studying, Rosen is involved in numerous other activities at Swampscott High School, including the Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Peer Leaders, Mentors in Violence Prevention and International Relations Club.”I like to make an impact,” Rosen said. “I really think I have my priorities straight – doing well in school and helping others is very important to me.”