The Wheels of Hope team, part of the Elora United Church, launched a bicycle collection campaign last year, to “send your old bike on a new journey” to support the Bicycling Empowerment Network (BEN) initiatives in Africa.
BEN is a bicycle shop in a box (sea container), ready to be delivered to any community in a developing country. Stocked with 350-400 bicycles, tools, spare parts and accompanied by comprehensive training in bicycle mechanics, it is designed to empower disadvantaged people and their communities with their own transportation and their own means of maintaining it.
After the bikes arrive, they are refurbished and distributed to communities in need. Local people are trained in bike mechanics and business opportunities arise for community based bike shops.
The bikes are then used for children, to attend school, and teachers to teach at multiple locations.
Carts are fashioned for ambulances, to carry supplies to medical facilities and schools, and communities, including carrying water and transporting goods.
With support from the community across Wellington County, the Wheels of Hope was able to send a full sea container, with more than 350 bicycles and necessary equipment to Africa in September.
The group is now preparing to send a second shipment.
On July 1, the team will be collecting bikes at the Elora United Church from 8am to 1pm. The church is located at 75 Geddes Street.
The Ministry of Children and Youth Services’ facility in Guelph will also be collecting bikes on Aug. 24 from 10am to 2pm.
Wheels of Hope is offering a free bike pick-up service for anyone unable to make these drop-off dates.
Donations to purchase a sea container and ship bikes are appreciated, with tax deductible receipts offered.
For more information or to arrange a bike donation pick-up, contact Bonnie Norris at 519-843-6144 or email to wheelsofhope.b4h@gmail.com.
