For most of us in North America, we own bicyles to go on bike rides, to exercise, and even in order to cut down on pollution. But for many people in other countries, bicycles serve a completely different purpose. The bikes you see in these pictures are the primary means of transportation for many in Ukraine, Moldova and other countries where Faith Mission sends aid.
These bicycles are used for everything from going to church to hauling home a load of clothing from a distribution service; from going to work (provided the owner is privileged enough to have a job) to going to pick up groceries or a load of firewood and strapping them onto the bicycle. They use their bicycles like we use our cars and trucks.
For this reason, Faith Mission has sent thousands of bikes to Ukraine and Moldova over the years that have been donated and checked over to make sure that they are in usable condition. We have had several men over the years donate many hours to check over all the bikes we send to make sure that they will be able to be used for a long time because we don't want to send them something that needs parts that they can't afford.
Although the labour that these men have invested into the bikes is donated, Faith Mission spends several thousand dollars a year on bike parts to ensure that brakes, shifters, tires, and chains will last as long as possible when the bike is being driven in Ukraine.
You can donate $30 CAD or more to go towards bicycles.