Mike’s Bikes

In 2008, Mike’s Bikes created and implemented an Africa Bike Drive changing the lives of individuals in Botswana. The program was so successful that Mike’s Bikes has decided to build on this success and double their goal for the 2009 Africa Bike Drive (over 800 bikes all going to a remote village in Namibia where every bicycle makes a huge difference).

For every bicycle donated, Varsity Painting will contribute $30 to the Children’s Hospital & Research Center of Oakland, California on behalf of the bike donor. And to top it off, the Mike’s Bikes Foundation has just been approved for 501(c)(3) tax exempt non-profit status, so your bike donation is tax-deductible!

A remote village in Namibia will be the location of the new Sister Shop, a place where there is little access to telephones, much less bicycles. Erasmus and Ludwig (above) are the point-men on the ground along with Peace Corps Volunteer Kami. They are thrilled to have an opportunity to bring a better life to their community through the power of the bicycle. With your help and generosity, it’s going to be a beautiful partnership.

How it works
Simply bring in your donation bicycle to any Mike’s Bikes store. Mike’s Bikes will take down your contact information and do two things with it:

1. Provide it to Varsity Painting so that they can make a $30.00 donation (in your name) to the Children’s Hospital of Oakland.

2. Mike’s Bikes will email you a 501(c)(3) receipt that you may use to deduct your bike donation on your taxes.

By bringing your unwanted bike to Mike’s for donation, you’ll not only be helping change the lives of people in developing Africa, but the lives of children receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital of Oakland.

A wonderful example of “karma yoga” in action.

If you want to create change (perhaps a better world) – you must begin with yourself . .

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,

Related Links:

Mike’s Bikes – Africa Bike Drive – 2008

Mike’s Bikes on Flickr (photos)

Mike’s Bikes