Cookstown and Dungannon Rotary Clubs Pedal support for Bicycle Initiative
Cookstown and Dungannon Rotary Club's are hailing the success of an appeal to help needy children in Africa. The Cookstown and Dungannon areas resembled the Tour de France on 27th April as a number of Rotary Clubs from throughout Ireland joined forces to run the second Jole Rider Charity Cycle. The Cycle, saw a number of riders from Rotary Clubs throughout Ireland cycle from Dungannon to Cookstown to raise some additional funds for the Bikes4Africa initiative run by the Jole Rider Charity and Rotary International.
The main aim of the Jole Rider initiative 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. While the bicycles are used by the School children to get to and from School, they remain the property of the schools. The Charity also collects and donates books to children in Gambia and in recent years over 240 bikes and 3,000 books have been donated through Rotary Clubs in Ireland. The plan for 2013 is to try and collect over 500 bikes and 4,000 school books with the help of local Rotary Clubs including the Cookstown and Dungannon Clubs.
Cookstown and Dungannon Rotary Clubs have supported the Jole Rider Bikes4Africa campaign in recent years and were delighted to support the Fun Charity Cycle on 27th April, which this year started in Dungannon and ended in Cookstown. The President of Cookstown Rotary Club, John Smyth and President of Dungannon Rotary Club, Seamus Walsh helped to organise the official start and finish to the day, and the Cycle ended with a Celebration Jole Rider Dinner at the Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. The celebration dinner highlighted the great effort and enthusiasm of Rotarians who participated in the Charity Cycle.
Cookstown Rotary Rotary Club President John Smyth said: "The Bikes4Africa appeal is a very worthwhile cause and Cookstown Rotary Club is delighted to be involved. Many African children live in remote communities, a long way from their nearest school. Without reliable, affordable, motorised transport the only way these children can get to school is to walk. In searing heat, their journey to education on foot is a daily epic mission. Having a bicycle makes a world of difference for these children, and for their families and communities too. Cookstown Rotary Club have been supporting this charity in recent years and we are delighted to have played a part in the Charity Cycle this year, particularly as the cycle finished in Cookstown. The cycle was a great success and we look forward to supporting it again next year."
Seamus Walsh, President of Dungannon Rotary Club commented "5 Years ago Dungannon kick started Bikes4Africa in Rotary Ireland by collecting 300 Bikes and boxes of Books. Here at home we have a good transport system able to get our kids to school but in Africa a bike can make such a big difference. It can make that journey to school possible. And with education comes the ability to improve lives. Its incredible to think how small things can create such powerful change. "
Trevor Stewart from Lisburn Rotary Club has been leading the Bikes4Africa appeal on behalf of local Rotary Clubs in recent years and Trevor thanked all those who participated in the Charity Cycle, "This is the second year we have run the Charity Cycle to raise additional funds for the Bikes4Africa appeal. Once again we have been overwhelmed by the response and I would like to thank Cookstown and Dungannon Rotary Clubs for assisting us in making the event a success. Both clubs have a reputation for being proactive in supporting local and international charities and they have both been very supportive of the Bikes4Africa and Books4Africa initiatives in recent years. Thanks must also go to Lafarge, Cookstown for their help and support and sponsorship of the event."
Some more information on the project is given in the video below.
Cookstown and Dungannon Rotary Club's have an outstanding record of service both locally and internationally and as recent efforts testify, the clubs continue to go from strength to strength. Should you wish to support the Jole Rider Initiative feel free to contact Cookstown or Dungannon Rotary Clubs.
