Since 2008 we, at B4H Whistler, have sent 2 containers of used bicycles to Africa and by the end of May 2011 we will send 2 more. The first two containers went to Namibia but we have now changed our focus to Uganda.

After a visit there, we recognized that the need is even greater than it was in Namibia. The northern region, called the Karamoja, went through 20 years of war but in the past 2 years they have been at peace. They are a forgotten people who survive by herding cattle. Their population has a disproportionately low number of males (they were killed in the wars) and a high number of orphans. The surviving communities take care of the orphans. They are a proud people who care for one another but who are horribly disadvantaged. Bicycles will allow them to get products to market, get healthcare workers to their communities and allow children to attend school.

We have been blessed with a very special partnership this year with a bike shop in North Vancouver called John Henry. They put out a plea for bikes and were hoping for 1000. They have surpassed that and so because of two very successful fundraisers and the generosity of our community we are able to send all those bikes to Africa.