PDF of release: BIG BIKE GIVErelease
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The BIG BIKE GIVE – give new life to your old bike
Vancouver, B.C. – April 6, 2011 – Collect 1000 Bikes in 30 Days – For 30 days April 8 – May 8, 2011 North Vancouver’s John Henry Bikes, as part of their John Henry Days festival, will partner with Bicycles for Humanity in that time they hope to inspire the donation of 1000 old (fat tire) bikes. Called the BIG BIKE GIVE it will link people in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, one of the richest areas in the world, to those in north eastern Uganda, one of the poorest. People there have enormous spirit but little else. Unable to access medical care, markets and schools they often travel up to 20 kilometres by foot, for water. In Uganda a simple bicycle has the ultimate power to change lives – providing mobility, freedom, hope and the bridge from extreme poverty to a better life.
John Henry Bikes owner Willie Cromack offers, “We wanted to do something important and inspire others to do the same. Here our bikes are used for pleasure and fitness, to strengthen family ties and build community. It’s a fun, healthful means of recreation. In the world’s poorest countries a bike can provide the way out of extreme poverty and a bridge to employment and access to health care and education. We’ve partnered with Bicycles for Humanity and have committed to collecting 1000 old (fat tire) bikes in 30 days”.
Whistler based Bicycles for Humanity founder Pat Montani adds, “These bikes along with donated bike supplies in particular chains, derailleurs, tires, inner tubes (with holes is absolutely fine they repair and use every bit!) tools and spare parts will be loaded into a shipping container and delivered to a community in north eastern Uganda. There the container will become a Bicycle Empowerment Center (BEC) where bikes can be purchased, repaired and rebuilt providing a sustainable resource and employment opportunity for the community”. The face of an elder who recently received a bike exploded in a huge grin as he said, “I feel like a chief with my bike”. A young man, now a trained bike mechanic, working in a BEC softly explained how grateful he was to be out of a gang to have hope. You could feel their words resonate in your heart.
Where on EARTH is my old bike? Meet Ugandan recipients:
http://www.bicycles-for-humanity.org/
Bicycles for Humanity – Pat Montani & Tour de France broadcaster Paul Sherwin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcJ70TsplZw
In Canada over 1.5 million new bikes are purchased each year. Hundreds of thousands are out grown, discarded, left outside to rust, or in a garage to gather dust. The BIG BIKE GIVE is an opportunity for an old bike to provide a new beginning for someone a world away. An old bike may allow a child to get to school, a family to access food and water, a business to be established, communities to be built and lives to be changed. The donation of an old bike may play a big part in reversing the cycle of extreme poverty, a big legacy for an old bike and an owner. “Bike owners understand the power of their bike … the joy, the adventure, the experiences…they will want to share that. A1000 old bikes in 30 days. Who says that’s not is doable?” Cromack adds, “We can do this!” a grin exploding across his face.
BIG BIKE GIVE – Collect 1000 old bikes (and parts) in 30 Days
April 8 – May 8, 2011
Drop your old bike and spare tires, inner tubes, derailleurs, tools
John Henry Bikes
400 Brooksbank Avenue,
North Vancouver, BC, V7J2C2
Tel – 604-986-5534
Monday to Saturday 10 -6 / Sunday 11-5
Willie Cromack – owner – John Henry Bikes is available for interviews.
Pat Montani – Founder – Bicycles for Humanity is available for interviews.
Brenda Montani – Co-Founder –Bicycles for Humanity is available for interviews.
High Resolution photos of Bikes new life in Uganda are available.
For more information please CONTACT:
Cheryl Wilson-Stewart
Email: cheryl@4whatmatters.com
Tel: 604.538.7383
Cell: 604.833.3563
