BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Halfords has linked up with Re~Cycle, a charity which provides refurbished bicycles to help communities and individuals in Africa. Halfords aims to eventually accept donated bikes from customers through its 460 stores
Halfords CEO Matt Davies said: “We wanted to find a charity partner for whom we could make a huge difference and also one that had close links with what we do as a business. Re~Cycle fits the bill and in time, our partnership will mean that many more unwanted bikes get to those in need, providing an opportunity to help people in Africa improve their lives in a sustainable way.”
Merlin Matthews, the founder of Re~Cycle, said: “The partnership with Halfords will help us access the millions of bikes sitting in sheds, bikes which will transform lives in Africa. Another benefit is to provide long term opportunities to help raise awareness of the great ways people here can very easily help those in need in Africa.”
Halfords staff will be encouraged to get involved, not only in loading containers and providing Re~Cycle with key skills to help the charity grow but also setting up schemes in Africa and fundraising for the charity.
Bicycles can dramatically improve lives by providing simple, affordable transport. It cuts travel time and increases opportunities to gain education and find work. It also has health benefits and helps transport heavy loads, like water and firewood, which previously would involve back-breaking work.
In Africa bikes are difficult to find and expensive, while in Britain millions of them lie unused in sheds, outgrown, abandoned or replaced.
Independent retailer Action Bikes of London has been supplying donated bikes to Re~Cycle for two years and has so far supplied over 1000 bicycles.
Re~Cycle was founded in 1998 and has sent almost 45,000 bikes to Africa, as well as parts and tools.
