Bicycles for South Africa

A study abroad experience when I was a student at Reed College changed how I thought about my access to transportation. As a student, I took my access to transportation for granted. I thought my life was hard when I missed the bus and had to bike ten minutes to get to school. This all changed when I met Mercy, a sixteen-year-old high school student in rural South Africa. She got up at 3 AM to get ready. Then she walked THREE HOURS to arrive on time for classes. That's six hours a day spent walking compared to my 20 minute round trip bike ride. Physical exhaustion and time spent walking are huge deterrents to the success of students in that position.

When I came back to Portland, I decided that I would work to reduce the burden of transportation for people like Mercy by sending bikes to Cape Town, South Africa. I am working with an incredible organization, Bicycles for Humanity to send 400 bicycles and tools to the Bicycle Empowerment Network in Cape Town. They will be distributed to people who would be significantly helped by access to a bicycle. The shipping container that the bikes are shipped in will be converted to a bike repair room and storage center.

I have been working on this project since January of 2009. February 16th, 2010, I received notification that we made the goal of $7,000. I am so happy. After all these months, and with all your help, I will now be able to send a shipping container of bicycles to students in rural South Africa. Again, I am so happy.

But that doesn't mean the party is over! Now the real fun begins: the search for 300-400 lightly used mountain bikes or cruisers. These bikes could be hiding in your very garage or in the garages of other generous folk in Portland. I encourage Portlanders to spread the word to friends and neighbors, relatives and business associates, anyone who might have a sad, neglected bike hoping for a new life in South Africa.

A fantastic local business, The Essential Oil Company in Sellwood has donated space in their warehouse where I can store the bikes until they are shipped. I am accepting bikes that are mountain bikes or cruisers, something with a wide tire. No junkers please. Besides a few minor tune ups, these bikes should be ready to go. Please email me if you have a bike that fits these specifications. I will be contacting people who have already offered their bikes so that a drop off can be arranged. Parts and tools are welcome donations. The Bike Gallery has already donated two important tools and will be donating more as the bikes come in.

I may have reached my fund raising goal for the shipment, but I still haven't raised enough for a plane ticket to follow the bikes there and help set up the bike shop. If you haven't donated, or feel like digging a little deeper into your pockets, please do so. Another $1,500 will afford me the opportunity to see first hand the fruits of our labor.

I've never done fund raising before, but I'm learning that fundraisers aren't born; they're made when circumstances require it. I've never been more concerned and passionate about creating a solution before this moment. I would deeply appreciate your considering making a gift. You may do so on the website or by mailing a check made out to Bicycles for Humanity (with PORTLAND written in the memo). Your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Bicycles for Humanity Santa Rosa
2035 Bent Tree Place,
Santa Rosa, CA 95404

Thank you so much for being a part of this project. I wouldn't have been able to get this far without the support of each and every one of you.

Thanks and spread the word!

Jenny Leonard

jennymleonard@gmail.com
925-354-1616