Wheels of Hope hosts successful collection

Wheels of Hope volunteers have collected about 800 used bicycles so far this year for communities in Africa.

A July 1 collection at Elora United Church alone netted the group over 40 bikes to be added to the shipment this fall.

“The phone just continues to ring,” organizer Bonnie Norris said of the group’s ongoing efforts to help the less fortunate.

Wheels of Hope, a project of Elora United Church and Friends in support of Bicycles for Humanity, operates throughout Centre Wellington to collect unwanted bicycles for community-based organizations in Africa called Bicycle Empowerment Centres (BEC).

Norris said the group has received an amazing response from the community - and not just on July 1 - thanks in large part to articles in the Wellington Advertiser.

She also acknowledged the role of Portage students in Elora, who work on the bikes prior to shipment.

For more information or to arrange a bike pick-up contact Bonnie Norris at 519-843-6144.