Bikes for Refugees

Last year, while spending a week at a housing complex in Concord that has many refugees from Nepal and Bhutan as well as Uganda, Rwanda and other African nations I noticed that there were many kids with bikes that were in disrepair.  It was at that point that I began offering to repair their bicycles for them so that they would be in working order.  As this project began I then learned of many adults who were in need of good reliable transportation so that they could get back and forth to work.

I shared the need with others and had many used bikes donated for use by adults and children.   Last year I was able to repair 62 bikes that the people owned and received 48 used bikes that I then repaired and gave away to those in need. 

I personally love to ride bikes and have taught myself to do all the needed repairs.  I am using that passion for cycling along with my deep love for all people to continue this project in 2016.  At this point I have 14 used bikes that have been donated for this purpose and have many more that have been promised to me.  I can do all of the repair work free but the parts to repair the bikes cost a bit of money.  Some times it is a simple tube or tire that needs to be replaced.  A new bike seat, a chain, new cables to work the brakes and shifters.  All of those items cost money and the amount is adding up quickly.

There are many adults who could use a bike to get to work and earn an honest income that will provide the needs of their families. There are many youth who would ride these bikes to school to get a great education that would set them up to be contributing members of our great city. There are families that would ride bikes together and feel the wind in their hair, the excitement of movement, stay physically fit, and enjoy life.  Your financial help with this project can make all of that possible.