HALFORDS HELPS RE~CYCLE CHARITY PEDAL TO 50,000 BIKES

Re-Cycle, the bikes to Africa charity, has announced that a bike donated by Halfords will be the 50,000th sent to Africa since the UK charity was founded in 1998. 

Halfords began a long-term partnership with Re~Cycle in April last year. The company helps Re~Cycle by collecting bikes from the public at national trade-in events and also by raising money towards the cost of sending bikes to Africa.  The landmark 50,000th bicycle will reach Malawi in March, and Halfords will follow the bike’s journey all the way to its new owner.

Millions of unused bikes go to waste in sheds and garages in the UK, whereas in Africa a bike can be life-changing, helping children get to school, farmers transport goods to market and health workers reach communities in need. Re~Cycle not only sends bikes to Africa, it also works with local communities teaching them how to maintain bikes, providing employment and improving lives in a sustainable way. 

So far, through Re~Cycle's partnership with Halfords, over 4,800 bikes have been donated at special trade-in events held by the company; store colleagues nationwide are also on track to raise £100,000 in year one through charity fundraising. 

Merlin Matthews, founder of Re~Cycle, says: “Re~Cycle is delighted to be sending its 50,000th bike, thanks to Halfords. Research in Africa shows that bikes are used by between 6 and 9 people, so 50,000 bikes will benefit around 350,000 people. We're delighted at how keen Halfords is to really get involved."

For more information about Re~Cycle - www.re-cycle.org  

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Notes to Editors:

With over 100 years’ experience of selling cycles, Halfords are the UK's number one bike specialist. At Halfords, we understand that selling a bike is more than providing it in a box. That is why we offer free* bike build at your local Halfords store even if you buy online and have your bike delivered to your door. We'll also fit free of charge any accessories you've bought at the same time as your bike, whether bought online or in store. We also offer a six-week free health check on your bike.

Re~Cycle

Re~Cycle ships donated bikes tools and spare parts from the UK to Africa, where partner organisations refurbish and distribute them. It has operated from Colchester for 15 years, is just opening a collection and distribution hub in London and has drop off points across the UK.

Current countries benefiting from Re~Cycle bikes are Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia. On Re~Cycle's website you can enter your town or postcode and it will tell you the nearest bike re-use projects, including non-Re~Cycle ones.

Contact

Emma Thomas, Community & CSR Manager: 01527 513464 - emma.thomas@halfords.co.uk

Louise Iles

Email: louise.iles@halfords.co.uk

Tel: 01527 513206

With over 100 years experience of selling cycles, Halfords are the UK's number one bike specialist. At Halfords, we understand that selling a bike is more than providing it in a box. That is why we offer free* bike build at your local Halfords store even if you buy online and have your bike delivered to your door. We'll also fit free of charge any accessories you've bought at the same time as your bike, whether bought online or in store. We also offer a six-week free health check on your bike.

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