On the way to Africa
Kintore Rotarians Jim Thomson (left) and Kenny Thomson (right) take delivery of a 34 year old bike from Bob Byers, of Kintore
Kintore Rotarians are hailing the success of an appeal to help needy children in Africa.
The village hall car park resembled the start of the Tour de France on Saturday (February 18) with more than 130 bicycles donated to its Bikes4Africa campaign.
The club also raised nearly £1,000 from donations and their coffee morning to meet the costs of transporting the bikes overseas.
The Bikes4Africa is an initiative run by the charity Jole Rider and Rotary International.
The aim is to collect unused bikes that are in a reasonable condition and are suitable for children aged from 10 upwards.
Once the bikes are donated, they are refurbished and packed for the sea journey to Gambia, West Africa, where they are prepared for distribution to schools.
Rotary Club of Kintore press officer Kenny Thomson said: “The Bikes4Africa appeal has been one of our best fundraisers to date because of the way it captured the imagination of the people who attended and supported the cause.
“People with bikes came from Aberdeen and others from as far away as Laurencekirk. One rode his bike from Inverurie to Kintore, then took a bus home.
“It is a joy to be involved in this international cause and a massive thanks goes to all who have contributed to its success so far.”
Kintore man Bob Byers donated the bike he bought for his son Mark’s 10th birthday 34 years ago.
He said it had been lying around his garage for many years and he was happy to see it go to a worthwhile cause.
Meanwhile, the Kintore club is looking to recruit new members.
An invitation has gone out to anyone who thinks they may be able to contribute some time, effort and enthusiasm to the organisation. It meets in Thainstone House Hotel on Thursdays at 7 for 7.30pm.
For further details contact Iain Bruugess on 01467 632194, or Kenny Thomson on 01467 632668
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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