The Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton, WA, has made a huge difference in Timor-Leste following the shipping of a container load of bicycles to help communities become more mobile.
After reaching its intended location, the container itself was converted into a ‘bike shop’ where repairs can be made, with the club and its offshoot, Bicycles for Humanity, providing tools, equipment and spares to make it a viable operation.
Bicycles for Humanity was established through the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton in 2012 in the backyard of member Peter Moore, who was previously a federal policeman stationed in Timor.
Each Thursday, Peter opens his massive shed to a group of men who come not just for the tea, coffee and cakes, but the camaraderie and fellowship of helping others by restoring bicycles for the needy.
PICTURED: Children in Timor-Leste are now on the move thanks to the restored bikes.
“We recycle pushbikes of most sizes, replacing all sorts of components. The finished bikes are then distributed to Bicycles for Humanity Western Australia (B4HWA) for shipping to countries
like Africa.
“Our Geraldton branch has donated to local people of all ages and various organisations, including Police Boys’ Club, Salvation Army, Centre Care, Stay emergency accommodation, Burrungarra Community – which is about 800km north of Geraldton – and also students who have no driver’s licence or vehicles and many others who come knocking.
“Since 2012, we have processed about 2,000 bikes, which have been distributed locally and afar. We also sell some of the better bikes to people who can afford them. These funds are used to purchase bike parts, paint and disposables,” Peter said.
PICTURED: The 20-foot container shipped to Timor-Leste by the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton was packed with 150 restored bikes for communities in need. The container was then converted into a ‘bike shop’ where repairs can be made.
Most recently, the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton paid for the insurance and shipping of an initial 20-foot container of 150 bikes to the Rotary Club of Timor-Leste, as well as numerous parts.
The container was sourced through Rotary club contacts, carted from Perth to Geraldton (more than 400km), packed with 150 bicycles and parts, delivered back to Fremantle, shipped to Timor-Leste and handed to the local Rotary club with the intent of giving free bikes to people in outlying villages. Rotary paid all the costs involved.
The bikes were received with gusto and a plea has gone out for a second container to be shipped, which the club is considering.
Club President Geoff Woods said it was one of the more successful and satisfying gifts the club has made.
PICTURED: Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton member Peter Moore inside his shed, where he restores bikes for communities in need through the Bicycles for Humanity program.
“It’s not a cheap or easy exercise to get a container, pay for shipping and making sure that it arrives in the correct hands,” Geoff said. “However, it was worth the effort and especially for Peter and his team of helpers, who put in so many hours to prepare the bikes for shipping and get the container packed.
“We owe a lot to Peter, who has diligently worked on this project for many years and the first container overseas is a tremendous success for us here in Geraldton.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the steadfast support of my wife Cheryl – with her cakes and financial and logistical support – and the large number of men offering support, including my right-hand man John Turner,” said Peter.
For more information on Bicycles for Humanity visit www.b4hwa.com or facebook.com/B4HWA.
MAIN PICTURE: Since 2012, the Rotary Club of Greater Geraldton, led by member Peter Moore, has restored around 2,000 bikes through its Bicycles for Humanity program. The bikes are then distributed to communities in need both locally and afar, including the recent shipment to Timor-Leste.