Introduction
Bicycles for Humanity is a very grassroots organization, a movement really, which is growing in many wild and wonderful ways. Initially, in 2006 we planned on sending one container of bicycles to Africa from communities in central British Columbia, but that quickly became four. The next year it grew to eight containers and hundreds of people having fun, pitching in and knowing that they have helped bring our world just a bit closer together.
This year, it will be sixteen and who knows what next year will bring. B4H chapters are popping up everywhere and people are having fun while making a huge difference.
Almost everyone has ridden a bike, everybody understands their value and remembers the freedom they first experienced riding a bike. To millions in Africa who walk for water, medical help or go to school, a bicycle is empowering and the first mode of transportation on their journey from poverty to a better life.
Our entire focus is on helping the people of Africa gain access to mobility and a better life for all in their communities. There are many incredible organizations supporting communities in Africa and they, along with Bicycles for Humanity, form the foundation for change in Africa, driven by the simple belief that a bicycle can make a difference.
I know many of you have an old bike in the garage or the basement and have hated for years to throw it in the dump or sell it for next to nothing at a garage sale. These bikes all have happy stories associated with them and for the first time, many have found that passing the bike on is a way of extending to others the hopes, dreams and aspirations we all had through our experiences.
If you are lucky enough to work at a bike collection, you will be simply amazed by the stories and the right of passage as the bike is handed in and on it's way to a new home. Looking back, all I can say is WOW, what a year! Bicycles for Humanity is a movement, along with many other great organizations and people and we hope you join in and become a part of helping those less fortunate gain a better life through mobility.
On our home page you will see a painting donated by Liz Woodside entitled "Humanity". From this cards, posters and Limited Edition prints have been created and we distribute them to anyone who wants to help fund raise to support any bike related initiative globally. Juli Masi and a group of talented musicians wrote and produced a song, "Humanity Rocks" and this is also available free to anyone who wants it.
The grass roots support has been simply unbelievable and we receive calls every day form many globally who want to help out and get involved. This year we are developing the Humanity Rocks Initiative, the idea is to provide individuals, groups, schools and whoever with the templates, tools and marketing pieces to help them in whatever way they want to be a part of this grassroots movement. Our initial focus has been to help many communities in Namibia and this will always be a key part of our movement. It is our hope in 2009 to develop templates that will allow any group needing bicycles for their community to develop a program so that they can with the help of all of you, bring mobility and a better life to their communities.
The Spotlight and the Upcoming Events will give you an idea of the fun and good that has been created. Thanks to all who have supported us and we welcome all to join. Please visit our Grassroots section to find out more on volunteer opportunities with B4H. Humanity does Rock!