World Bicycle Relief (WBR) is celebrating 15 years of charitable impact with a series of activities, events and the launch of a new program initiative: Mobilized Communities.
Since its beginnings in 2005, the global non-profit has ‘worked as a catalyst for change, helping vulnerable people conquer the challenge of distance, so they can achieve independence and thrive.’
World Bicycle Relief’s specially designed Buffalo Bicycles and comprehensive programs have proved to be life-changing for more than 525,000 students, health workers and entrepreneurs in 21 developing countries around the world.
“The events of the past year have made it clear that, more than ever, bicycles and community-led programming play a vital role in promoting sustainable change to address transportation needs,” said World Bicycle Relief CEO Dave Neiswander.
“To commemorate our 15th anniversary, we are proud to launch Mobilized Communities, an innovative, holistic program that is the evolution of years of learnings.”
Mobilized Communities aims to put local communities at the centre of their own bicycle programming, which, paired with a market-based sustainable bicycle ecosystem, should empower these communities to improve their access to education, livelihoods, health and well-being – and help break the cycle of poverty.
In celebration of its milestone 15th anniversary, World Bicycle Relief has several opportunities for people to get involved with:
15 Years Forward: A Global Celebration (17:00 PT / 20:00 ET / 01:00 GMT): On November 19, World Bicycle Relief will host a free virtual event featuring special host Peloton instructor and Love Squad Founder Ally Love. The celebration will highlight special guests and personal updates from past bicycle recipients and includes a virtual auction with proceeds benefiting ‘The Power of Bicycles’.
World Bicycle Relief is also honoring hotelier CitizenM and adventure athlete Rebecca Rusch with the ‘Trailblazer Award’. This is for their ‘dedicated support and challenging conventional thinking around the complex issues of transportation, poverty, social justice, and access while illuminating a new path forward with bold, innovative ideas.’
World Bicycle Relief has also named 15 ‘WBR Champions’. These include: Accell Group; Bruce Wilkinson; Equator Coffees; Giant Group; Global Cycling Network (GCN); inGamba Tours; Les Domestiques; MTB News; Quad Lock; Ruby Isaac; Saris; Signature Cycles; SRAM; and ZF Hilft.
World Bicycle Relief is launching a special 15th anniversary campaign, ‘Faces of Change’, on November 10 to raise funds to support its efforts to empower people in need around the world with bicycles. The Faces of Change campaign runs through December 31, 2020.
