Bicycles needed for Namibia
Wingecarribee Shire Council in conjunction with Bicycles for Change is calling on residents of the Southern Highlands to donate their unwanted pushbikes to help the less fortunate.
The call comes on the back of a recent decision by Council to assist the Southern Highlands Branch of Bicycles for Change with a one thousand dollar donation to help with the transport of bikes to Africa.
“Bicycles for Change is a global volunteer group with a local branch located in Bundanoon whose purpose is to recycle bikes to provide to third world communities in need,” said Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Ken Halstead.
“The bikes are typically sent to areas where they can be used to assist health care and education workers cover distances which would normally be travelled by foot,” he said.
“Council is very proud to continue supporting this great program that’s not only helping the less fortunate but also saving hundreds of bikes from being scrapped.”
Southern Highlands Bicycles for Change spokesperson Hans Radowitz said the local chapter was confident of continued community support.
“Since 2010 Council has provided us with an area to carry out our repairs at the Resource Recovery Centre,” he said. “The recent financial donation will be particularly helpful with our shipping costs.”
Since the Southern Highlands Branch took up residency at the Resource Recovery Centre they have salvaged and recycled almost 2000 bicycles.
Helping Hans fill the current container load of bicycles bound for Namibia is volunteer Bob Clark.
“We accept all types of bikes but given the conditions they’ll be used in overseas, mountain bikes are the most sought after,” Mr Radowitz added.
In addition to bicycles, collapsible wheelchairs, crutches and walkers are also accepted.
Bicycles and wheelchairs can be dropped off free-of-charge at the Resource Recovery Centre during normal business hours. The Resource Recovery Centre is located at 177 Berrima Road, Moss Vale.
For more information visit bicyclesforchange.com or phone 4883 7262.
Formerly known as Bikes for Humanity, Bicycles for Change is a registered NSW charity and incorporated association staffed by volunteers.