Mission

To Provide 2nd hand bikes and spare parts to under-privileged kids in 3rd World Countries.

Category

Children and Youth

Additional Information

Second Hand Bikes for FNL Kids in NAKURU, KENYAOn 1 May, Beacon School dad Nick Deane made a presentation to the boys in assembly to tell them what an amazing effect The Beacon has had on the Children of Filadelfi New Life School. How that, since their visit, the entire school has improved punctuality, attendance, how English and Maths have improved and how determined the kids are to improve their very difficult lives.As you know, Nick is trying to raise funds and to ship 400 second hand bikes as a legacy to the trip.Here is what Nick has to say....."I want to try and make a real difference to a group of kids that I have personal connection with and I know the bikes will help their lives enormously, as well as giving them some fun time too.I went over to see them and their school in January and discovered for myself how desperate these kids are and how keen they are to advance themselves. They work so hard at school and realise that education is the only way to get out of a very difficult and cruel existence. It was very humbling.As such, I have set up Bikeaid and I'm now ready to start collecting bikes and cash, which I am sure you'll be pleased to hear!I aim to collect 2nd hand (working) bikes from around a week or so either side of the Summer half term. I will be buying a container and it will be left at The Beacon School (www.beaconschool.co.uk) from about the 23rd May so you can easily drive up and drop off bikes and kit.All second hand kit including tyres, pumps, puncture repair kits, inner tubes, helmets and tools will also be really appreciated.In addition to bikes, I am really after some funding too!!!!It's going to cost approx £12,000 to hire, buy, pack and ship the container to Nakuru in Central Kenya. I am targeting £20,000. Any left over will go towards another container or will sponsor some of the children through secondary education. NONE is going on admin or other costs!The Beacon Educational Trust Limited. Registered in England No. 01067862. Registered Charity No. 309911.I am viewing this project as a pilot exercise. The charity that brought the kids over, Touraid (www.touraid.org) has organised 55 tours from around the Third World. If my Bikeaid project works, we are hoping that we can show the other 54 "hosts" how and what can be done and, who knows, this really may be the start of something special.If anyone would like to talk about some sort of corporate involvement, I think there is plenty that can be achieved and I would welcome the chance to have a chat!In the meantime, I have set up a web page explaining a little more and a JustGiving account to receive financial donations. Please check it out.http://www.touraid.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=381:bikeaid&catid=53:fundraising-events&Itemid=189It would be great if you could ask your local communities to get involved too as I am determined to give these kids an additional boost. I have seen how they live and how they work and play. THEY DESERVE it and, if we really think about it, we can all give a bit more.Many, many thanks and I hope to see you up at the school in the next few weeks.We really appreciate and need your support to ensure this project is successful. PLEASE DO HELP AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.