Kelowna

Contributed by Jim Couper
 
For the first time in several years Bicycles for Humanity’s storage barn sits empty.

The Kelowna-based international organization shipped a 40-foot container, crammed with almost 500 bikes, to Ghana in April and plans to send another in October. Normally one is sent every year so now more bikes and more funds are required to double the charitable work.

To raise funds and facilitate the donation of bikes, the group is holding a silent auction, yard sale, BBQ, and bicycle collection at St. Charles Garnier Church, 3645 Benvoulin, from 8 to 5 on Sat. June 16. Anyone wishing to drop off operational adult bikes can bring them to the church on Saturday.  Donation of products from such companies as Kelowna Dinner Cruises, Tim Hortons, Summerhill, Hyundai, The Golf Centre and Cyclepath will be available for purchase at bargain prices or at silent auction.

Each container shipment costs about $8000. When the bicycles reach the port of Accra, Kelowna’s Bicycles for Humanity finances their distribution and the instruction of nurses, workers and students who use them. Re/Max contributes $5000, but B4H must raise the additional funds, find the bikes and prepare them for shipping. To maximize container content volunteers remove baskets, kickstands and pedals, turn the handlebars and lower the seats.

For the past six years Kelowna residents have donated all the bikes needed.

It costs about $30 to get a single bike into the hands of a Ghanaian worker so any financial donation accompanying the gift of a bike is welcome. Bicycles can be dropped off behind the church at any time.  B4H is totally volunteer driven with no expenses for offices, phones, fund raisers or paid staff. The organization started in Kelowna and has spread to seven countries with 30 chapters.

For additional information contact Keith Germaine, 250-764-2942.