Join Us: Provide Bikes for Refugee Families

My name is Liz. I am the Bike Coordinator for Refugee Community Connection, an all-volunteer organization in Chicago helping to provide support to refugees in the Chicago area.

One of the things we do is to source and distribute used bikes for refugees. Bikes are an incredible resource for a refugee - providing free transportation for job searches, commuting, getting to school, and for just plain fun and exercise. Anyone who has ever delivered a bike to a refugee and seen the smile on their faces can attest to the value and delight a bike can bring a family in need.

Along with other members of "the bike brigade" (Dana Smith, and Mike Moyer), we have procured, repaired and distributed HUNDREDS of donated bikes directly to newly-arrived refugees.

As a volunteer-based group, we are asking for the support of our community to meet this very important need. We rely on the donation of used bikes from our members, and monies that support our ability to purchase used bikes on the secondary market that can be easily refurbished and passed along to individuals and families who need them. In addition to purchasing used bikes, we need supplies to repair them when needed and also to provide bike locks and helmets to each refugee who receives a bike. Luckily, we are able to buy these in bulk! For that, we need some more funds.

Representative Costs are:

4 good condition used bikes on the secondary market - $100.00

Adult adjustable helmets (Retrospec): ~$12.50

Kids adjustable helmets (Retrospec): ~$13.00

U-lock for adult bikes (Rockymounts or Retrospec): ~$16.50

Cable lock for kids bikes (Rockymounts): $6.50

If this fundraiser is successful, we can also purchase additional items to provide for those requesting them, such as rechargable lights (~$10/set) and flat repair kits (~$11 for tire levers, patches, and pump).

We hope you will consider giving to this cause. There is much need.

If you are in Chicago, please consider joining the Refugee Community Connection Facebook group to help! There are many ways to contribute and your assistance will be greatly appreciated by the many folks in need.

Thanks so much!

The RCC Bike Brigade

Liz Reeves, Dana Smith and Mike Moyer