Where do we go from here

For the past week, I've been pedaling a bicycle from San Antonio, Texas to Florida. I'm writing this from St. Francisville, Louisiana. Pedaling a bike every day for 10 hours allows a person a lot of itme to think and ponder life. Last year was busy, this year it's shaping up to be busier for B4H. The model of a community here organizing a BEC and adapting a community in Africa is taking hold and there are so many incridible things happenning. thunderbay just sent a large number of bikes to Rownda with medical suppliers and is planning a container to Zambia. A group in Brampton is doing the ground work in preperation for sending a BEC. We're busy planning a BEC to be sent form the kelowna/Vernon area and another one form Vancouver.

thunderbay has adapted the B4H model and established thier own B4H group. We're delighted that they have done this and we encourage other communities, civic clubs, schools and church's to do the same. Once the idea takes route in a community it's amazing to see how it unfolds and what a community is capable of. I'm biking along , answering email at night in total amazement and awe at what is taing place. In 4 communities can do it, a hundred can and a hundred transportation centres in Africa will, simply change the way things are done and forever it will be different and better.

What is really exciting is to see how a community comes together, hs a focus and each in their own way acting and making the dream come true. Humanity does rock and watching all these small grassroots groups take action, well, it's simply delightful.

Wow a New Year

The past month has been very hectic, new web site, a lot of great ideas being discussed and trying to make plans for this year on where to send bikes. The model of sending a container of bikes along with tools and spare parts has turned out to be something that everyone understands and it simply just makes sense.

On the website we have identified 5 projects, 4 in Namibia and one in Uganda that are in desperate need of a BEC. In anyone would like to partner with one of these programs or participate with others, please let us know.

Secondly, the terrific people of ThunderBay, Ontario have decided to start their own Bicycles for Humanity chapter or group and in 2 short weeks will be sending bikes to Rowanda along with medicaal supplies, more on this behind the ThunderBay link.

What is really exciting is that schools, clubs and communities globally are getting invovled and sending bikes to Africa. Groups are forming with Rotary being a key partner in London, England, Sydney Australia and other communities are entertaining setting up initiatives.

This year, it is our goal to send at least 6 BEC's to Africa and we need help on all fronts, if you are interested in helping out or starting an initiative in your community, please let us know. If you know of anyone who migfht be interested in helping or in need of bikes, please forward the link to our website to them.

Thanks


Pat

Planning for next year

2006 was very exciting for many reasons and we are now beginning to plan for 2007. This year we had many groups, schools and bike clubs want to help out. In 2007 we are moving towards tying the groups here with partner groups in Africa. We have strong partners in Namibia and the need there is very large. Our goal is to try and send 5 BEC's there next year.

Introduction:

Hi, my name is Pat Montani and I thank you for taking the time to visit the Bicycles for Humanity website. Bicycles for Humanity is a very grassroots organization and is growing in many wild and wonderful ways. Initially we planned on sending one container of bicycles to Africa from communities in central British Columbia this year, but it quickly became 4 containers and hundreds of people having fun, pitching in and knowing that they have helped bring our world just a bit closer together.

Almost everyone has ridden a bike, all understand their value and the freedom they first experienced riding a bike. To millions in Africa who walk for water, medical help or to go to school a bicycle is empowering and the first mode of transportation on their journey from poverty to a better life.

I know many of you have an old bike in the garage or the basement and have hated for years to throw it in the dump or sell it for next to nothing at a garage sale. These bikes all have happy stories associated with them and for the first time, many have found that passing the bike on is a way of extending to others the hopes, dreams and aspirations we all had through our experiances.

If you are lucky enough to work at a bike collection, you will be simply amazed by the stories and the right of passage as the bike is handed in and on it's way to a new home.

Looking back, all I can say is WOW, what a year! As one of the Friends of Bicycles for Humanity along with many others we hope you join in and become a part of helping those less fortunate.

On our home page you will see a painting donated by Liz Woodside entitled "Humanity". From this cards, posters and Limited Edition prints have been created and we distribute them to anyone who wants to help fund raise to support any bike related initiative. Juli Masi and a group of talented musicians wrote and produced a song, "Humanity Rocks" and this is also available free to anyone who wants it.

The grass roots support has been simply unbelievable and we receive calls every day form many globally who want to help out and get involved. This year we are developing the Humanity Rocks Initiative, the idea is to provide individuals, groups, schools and whoever with the templates, tools and marketing pieces to help them in whatever way they want to be a part of this grassroots movement.

The Spotlight and the Upcoming Events will give you an idea of the fun and good that has been created. Thanks to all who have supported us and we welcome all to join. Humanity does Rock!